FARDC Warns of Escalating M23/RDF Attacks in North and South Kivu

Kisangani, September 20, 2025 – The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have sounded the alarm over renewed attacks carried out by the coalition of Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and M23 rebels against Congolese positions in both North and South Kivu.

According to the FARDC communiqué (No. 17/25), September 19 was marked by a wave of coordinated assaults targeting the localities of Chanzikiro and Nkambi in Kisimba groupement, Wanyanga sector (Walikale, North Kivu). At the same time, another strike was recorded in Sisa (Masisi territory) and Buhavu (Kalehe, South Kivu).

The day before, on September 18, FARDC positions had already come under fire in Ndeté and Kazinga (Nyamaboko 1, Masisi), while villages such as Chambombo and Katale also suffered rebel incursions.

A Pattern of Escalation

FARDC officials say these repeated attacks constitute blatant violations of the Washington ceasefire agreement and the Doha principles, warning that the army will no longer tolerate such provocations.

“The Congolese forces reserve the right to respond with firmness and determination,” declared Major Nestor Mavudisa Kamba Mayoyo, spokesperson for the Third Defense Zone, in the statement.

The army also denounced what it called a “media campaign of disinformation” aimed at shifting blame onto FARDC while obscuring the role of Rwanda’s advanced brigades and M23 units in the violence.

International Witnesses Called In

Kinshasa is urging American and Qatari mediators, key observers of the Doha and Washington frameworks, to recognize these repeated violations and hold Kigali accountable.