Fighting in Masisi territory continues, particularly around the mining town of Rubaya, which is occupied by the Congo River Alliance-the March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), even though the DRC Government agreed to implement a ceasefire on February 18.

M23 President Bertrand Bisimwa told reporters that “Kinshasa regime” had once again broken its word by “launching a widespread offensive on all fronts,” and added that this coordinated operation “reflects a deliberate choice of the military option.”

Bisimwa, who is also the deputy coordinator of the AFC/M23, noted that the absence of any clear initiative to achieve an immediate cessation of operations is observed “with deep concern,” as there has been no “public reprimand or condemnation.”

He considered that no measures appear to have been taken to prevent the risk of escalation and criticized the silence this time, in contrast to the swift reactions when the rebels are “forced” to exercise their “legitimate right to self-defense against direct attacks.”

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