Rwanda: AFC/M23 Warns of Retaliation If Congolese Army Attacks Persist in Walikale

The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) rebellion has issued a warning. They will "eliminate the threat at its source" if attacks on civilians continue in Walikale.

On April 3, rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka posted on X. He stated that AFC/M23 has repositioned its forces in Walikale as planned. He added that if the Kinshasa regime continues provocations, their goodwill gesture will end.

The rebels seized Walikale on March 19 but later withdrew. This was part of a ceasefire declared on February 22 to support peace initiatives in eastern DR Congo. Kanyuka noted that Congolese forces hinder the ceasefire and peace efforts.

Despite Western sanctions, the rebels are gaining strength and influence. On Thursday, former governor Joseph Stéphane Mukumadi joined the rebellion. He urged Congolese people to join him to end Kinshasa's dictatorship.

Mukumadi joined just five days after Rex Kazadi registered with AFC/M23 from Europe. He criticized a political minority holding the nation hostage and making decisions for millions of Congolese.

Last week, rebels allowed South African-led SADC troops to leave eastern DR Congo with their weapons. These troops had surrendered after Goma fell to the rebels in January.

In recent months, Alliance Fleuve Congo has grown by adding other armed groups and politicians. In February, Twirwaneho joined AFC/M23 after losing their leader in a drone attack by Congolese forces.

Led by Nangaa, former chairman of the electoral commission, AFC fights for human rights and security for all citizens. They aim to eliminate tribalism, nepotism, corruption, and genocide ideology spread by FDLR.

FDLR is a militia founded by remnants of those responsible for Rwanda's 1994 genocide against Tutsi people. This group poses an existential threat to the Congolese Tutsi community.

Nangaa stated that their revolution would not be selective or exclusive. He called for unity among all Congolese based on expertise to meet national challenges.

Since January, Congolese armed forces have faced significant losses against AFC/M23 rebels. The coalition includes European mercenaries and various regional forces alongside UN peacekeepers.

Heavy fighting resumed due to violations of an earlier ceasefire by Congolese forces on January 27 when rebels captured Goma quickly stabilizing the area afterward.

Many soldiers surrendered during this period and later joined the rebels. As violence escalated amid reports of abuses by Congolese forces, M23 captured Kavumu airport before taking Bukavu on February 15.

On March 19, they seized Walikale, about 130 kilometers northwest of Goma—the farthest west they reached this year. Walikale has long been an FDLR stronghold.

Fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese army coalition resumed in 2021.