Rwanda and Congo cancel peace talks to end a conflict in eastern Congo
1 week, 1 day ago

Rwanda and Congo cancel peace talks to end a conflict in eastern Congo

Associated Press  

GOMA, Congo — Planned face-to-face peace talks between Congo and Rwanda have been unexpectedly canceled, the Congolese president said. Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame were set to meet Sunday in Angola, which has been mediating the conflict to put an end to a decades-long conflict in eastern Congo between the Congolese army and M23 rebel group, which is allegedly backed by Rwanda. “No consensus was reached between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on a commitment to direct talks with the Congolese rebel group M23,” read the statement. “This summit would therefore not have resulted in an agreement.” M23 is one of about 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo near the border with Rwanda, in a conflict that has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Rwanda denies the claim, but in February admitted that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security, pointing to a buildup of Congolese forces near the border.

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History of this topic

Congo replaces top military chief and other senior officers as fighting in the east rages on
3 days, 4 hours ago

Congo replaces top military chief and other senior officers as fighting in the east rages on

Associated Press  

GOMA, Congo — Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has replaced the armed forces chief and several other top officers in a major reshuffle while the military battles rebels in the country’s eastern region, state media announced late Thursday. Congo’s military has been fighting more than 100 armed groups for years in the mineral-rich eastern region where the rebels are vying for …

Rwanda, DR Congo peace talks hit snag as mediator Angola calls off meeting
1 week, 1 day ago

Rwanda, DR Congo peace talks hit snag as mediator Angola calls off meeting

Al Jazeera  

DRC presidency says talks had hit deadlock over a Rwandan demand that the DRC hold direct dialogue with M23. Angolan President Joao Lourenco – the African Union mediator to end the conflict – was meeting alone with DRC leader Felix Tshisekedi, Jorge said. Rwanda’s foreign ministry said that a lack of consensus over direct talks between the DRC and a …

Fighting in eastern Congo between army and rebels intensifies ahead of peace talks Sunday
1 week, 1 day ago

Fighting in eastern Congo between army and rebels intensifies ahead of peace talks Sunday

Associated Press  

GOMA, Congo — Fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group intensified in eastern Congo in recent days ahead of much anticipated peace talks on Sunday, the army said. Congo’s army accused the M23 of killing 12 civilians earlier this week in villages of the Lubero territory in the eastern province of North-Kivu in a statement on Friday. …

Fighting resumes in eastern Congo in cease-fire breach ahead of possible mediation talks
2 weeks, 6 days ago

Fighting resumes in eastern Congo in cease-fire breach ahead of possible mediation talks

LA Times  

In 2022, M23 rebels stand with their weapons in Kibumba in eastern Congo. Fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group resumed in eastern Congo in yet another cease-fire violation ahead of potential mediation talks, both groups said. M23 is one of a 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo near …

East African summit urges peace in eastern Congo but its leader skips talks
3 weeks, 1 day ago

East African summit urges peace in eastern Congo but its leader skips talks

Associated Press  

ARUSHA, Tanzania — East African heads of state made another push for peace in eastern Congo on Saturday but its prospects remained bleak following a regional summit that was marked by the Congolese president’s absence and an early departure of his Rwandan counterpart. A communique read at the end of the closed-door meeting of the East African Community in Arusha, …

Congo accuses rebel group of ‘ethnic cleansing’ in country’s east
1 month ago

Congo accuses rebel group of ‘ethnic cleansing’ in country’s east

Associated Press  

KINSHASA, Congo — Congo’s government on Tuesday accused the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group of “ethnic cleansing” in the central African nation’s east. M23, or the March 23 Movement, is a rebel military group mainly made up of ethnic Tutsis who broke away from the Congolese army just over a decade ago. The group rose to prominence in 2012 when its …

A truce to halt violence in eastern Congo is extended as calls grow for the displaced to return home
5 months ago

A truce to halt violence in eastern Congo is extended as calls grow for the displaced to return home

Associated Press  

GOMA, Congo — The United States late Wednesday announced the extension of a humanitarian truce that had reduced fighting in eastern Congo even as violence and human rights abuses continue there, leading to calls for an end to the conflict to allow displaced people to return home. The violence concentrated in the eastern North Kivu province has resulted not just …

UN experts: Between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops are in Congo operating with the M23 rebel group
5 months, 1 week ago

UN experts: Between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops are in Congo operating with the M23 rebel group

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — Between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwanda government forces are deployed in neighboring eastern Congo, operating alongside the M23 rebel group which has been making major advances, U.N. experts said in a report circulated Wednesday. The Rwandan forces’ “de facto control and direction over M23 operations also renders Rwanda liable for the actions of M23,” the panel of experts …

Uganda backed M23 in DRC, Rwanda’s ‘de facto control’ on group: UN experts
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Uganda backed M23 in DRC, Rwanda’s ‘de facto control’ on group: UN experts

Al Jazeera  

The United Nations report says the Ugandan army supported the rebels while some 3,000-4,000 Rwandan soldiers fought alongside them in the eastern DRC. The UN Security Council’s group of experts on Monday also said some 3,000-4,000 Rwandan soldiers fought alongside M23 rebels in eastern DRC and that Kigali had “de facto control” of the group’s operations. “Since the resurgence of …

The United States tells Rwanda and Congo they must ‘walk back from the brink of war’
10 months ago

The United States tells Rwanda and Congo they must ‘walk back from the brink of war’

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — The United States told Rwanda and Congo on Tuesday that they “must walk back from the brink of war,” the sharpest warning yet of a looming conflict between the African neighbors. U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood delivered the warning at an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council called by France as violence has worsened in Congo’s …

The United States tells Rwanda and Congo they must 'walk back from the brink of war'
10 months ago

The United States tells Rwanda and Congo they must 'walk back from the brink of war'

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood …

Rwanda rejects US calls for withdrawal of missiles and troops from eastern Congo
10 months ago

Rwanda rejects US calls for withdrawal of missiles and troops from eastern Congo

Associated Press  

KAMPALA, Uganda — Authorities in Rwanda on Monday rejected U.S. calls for the withdrawal of troops and missile systems from eastern Congo, saying they are defending Rwandan territory as Congo carries out a “dramatic military build-up” near the border. Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry in a statement spoke of threats to Rwandan national security stemming from the presence in Congo of an …

US condemns Rwanda’s support of armed M23 rebels in eastern Congo and calls for troop withdrawal
10 months ago

US condemns Rwanda’s support of armed M23 rebels in eastern Congo and calls for troop withdrawal

Associated Press  

KAMPALA, Uganda — The U.S. has condemned Saturday Rwanda’s support of the armed M23 group in eastern Congo, whose rebellion has caused the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, and called on the rebel group to “cease hostilities.” The U.S. State Department in a statement strongly criticized “the worsening violence. caused by the actions of the Rwanda-backed, U.S.- and …

Congo rebel group kills at least 19 people in attack on eastern town
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Congo rebel group kills at least 19 people in attack on eastern town

Associated Press  

KINSHASA, Congo — At least 19 people were killed when rebels attacked a town in Congo’s North Kivu province, the army said late Thursday, the latest violence in the country’s conflict-battered east. The rebels shelled the town of Mweso, where they “indiscriminately dropped mortar bombs,” which also injured 27 other civilians, army spokesman Lt. Col. Guillaume N’djike Kaïko said in …

Tensions between Congo and Rwanda heighten the risk of military confrontation, UN envoy says
1 year ago

Tensions between Congo and Rwanda heighten the risk of military confrontation, UN envoy says

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — Tensions between Congo and Rwanda have escalated, heightening the risk of a military confrontation that could draw in Burundi, the top U.N. official in Congo warned the Security Council on Monday. She stressed that insecurity “has compounded the ongoing humanitarian crisis.” According to the U.N. humanitarian office, over 6.5 million people are displaced in Congo, 5.5 million …

Rebels claim to capture more ground in Congo’s east, raising further concerns about election safety
1 year, 1 month ago

Rebels claim to capture more ground in Congo’s east, raising further concerns about election safety

Associated Press  

GOMA, Congo — A rebel group with alleged links to neighboring Rwanda claimed Wednesday to have seized a key town in Congo’s conflict-hit eastern region amid intense fighting, raising further security concerns ahead of the country’s Dec. 20 presidential election. Mweso town, which is about 100 kilometres from the North Kivu provincial capital of Goma, came under the control of …

Congo and the UN sign a deal for peacekeepers to withdraw after more than 2 decades and frustration
1 year, 1 month ago

Congo and the UN sign a deal for peacekeepers to withdraw after more than 2 decades and frustration

Associated Press  

KINSHASA, Congo — Congo’s foreign minister and the head of the United Nations stabilization mission in Congo signed agreements Tuesday to end the presence of U.N. peacekeepers after more than two decades in the Central African nation. Congolese Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula told national television that the ceremony marked the end of a collaboration “which has proved its limits in …

US asks Congo and Rwanda to de-escalate tensions as fighting near their border displaces millions
1 year, 1 month ago

US asks Congo and Rwanda to de-escalate tensions as fighting near their border displaces millions

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Rwanda and Congo to de-escalate tensions and withdraw troops from their border following increased fighting that has displaced nearly 7 million people. Blinken spoke separately by phone with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame about the “volatile situation and worsening humanitarian crisis along the border,” the …

Congo orders regional peacekeepers to leave by December
1 year, 2 months ago

Congo orders regional peacekeepers to leave by December

Associated Press  

GOMA, Congo — Congo’s government spokesperson has said that the East African regional force would have to leave the country by Dec. 8 because of a “lack of satisfactory results on the ground” as agreed on during a regional meeting. Partick Muyaya told journalists on Monday night that the East African Community, or EAC, force must leave the country “because …

‘We need peace’: M23 war displaces DRC residents yet again
1 year, 6 months ago

‘We need peace’: M23 war displaces DRC residents yet again

Al Jazeera  

For thousands of people in the eastern DRC, displacement in the latest onslaught by the M23 is another episode in their fight for survival. “They are still practically using the same discourse,” said Sematumba of the rebels, comparing current fighters with their predecessors in the first M23 rebellion and to CNDP combatants. “ Kagame got very angry about that.” Life …

Rwanda says Congolese soldiers attack its border army post
1 year, 10 months ago

Rwanda says Congolese soldiers attack its border army post

Associated Press  

KIGALI, Rwanda — Rwanda’s army said its troops briefly exchanged fire with soldiers from Congo early Wednesday, in a new spike in tension between the neighbors who have accused each other of supporting armed rebel groups on the other side of the border. United Nations experts in December said they had “substantial evidence” of Rwandan government forces crossing into Congo …

Regional leaders urge immediate cease-fire in eastern Congo
1 year, 10 months ago

Regional leaders urge immediate cease-fire in eastern Congo

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — Regional heads of state have called for an immediate cease-fire by all parties in eastern Congo, where tensions have grown amid talk of war as Congo and neighboring Rwanda trade allegations of backing armed rebels. The communique issued Saturday at the end of an East African Community summit also directed troop-contributing countries to immediately deploy more troops …

Fighting intensifies in eastern Congo, displacing hundreds
1 year, 10 months ago

Fighting intensifies in eastern Congo, displacing hundreds

Associated Press  

GOMA, Congo — Fighting intensified around a town in eastern Congo Thursday as a rebel group seeking to expand the territory it controls increased pressure on government troops defending it, forcing hundreds of civilians to flee their homes. Congo for months has accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23 group — whose origins lie in the region’s ethnic fighting — …

Rwanda fires on Congo military aircraft accused of violation
1 year, 10 months ago

Rwanda fires on Congo military aircraft accused of violation

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — Rwanda has fired on a Congolese military aircraft it alleges violated its airspace in a new escalation of tensions between the neighbors that has set off alarm across central Africa. A Rwandan government statement said “defensive measures” were taken against a Sukhoi-25 from Congo on Tuesday evening, and it urged Congo to “stop this aggression.” Rwanda’s state …

EU calls on Rwanda to stop supporting M23 rebels in DR Congo
1 year, 11 months ago

EU calls on Rwanda to stop supporting M23 rebels in DR Congo

Al Jazeera  

The bloc’s comments came after UN experts’ report found ‘direct intervention’ by Rwandan forces inside the DR Congo. The European Union has urged Rwanda to stop supporting the M23 rebel group, which has captured swaths of territory in North Kivu province in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Saturday said the European …

UN experts: `Substantial evidence’ of Rwanda forces in Congo
1 year, 11 months ago

UN experts: `Substantial evidence’ of Rwanda forces in Congo

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — U.N. experts say they found “substantial evidence” of Rwandan government forces crossing into neighboring eastern Congo, either to reinforce M23 rebels or to conduct military operations against another rebel group that includes fighters accused of taking part in the 1994 Rwanda genocide. The M23 rebels are largely Congolese ethnic Tutsis who became prominent 10 years ago when …

Growing pressure on Rwanda from France, Germany over Congo
2 years ago

Growing pressure on Rwanda from France, Germany over Congo

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — International pressure is growing on Rwanda as France and Germany are the latest parties to openly accuse the country of supporting armed rebels in neighboring eastern Congo — with possible repercussions for foreign aid that Kigali has long enjoyed. A report by United Nations experts earlier this year said they had “solid evidence” that Rwanda’s armed forces …

M23 says ready to ‘withdraw’ in eastern DRC, yet clashes reported
2 years ago

M23 says ready to ‘withdraw’ in eastern DRC, yet clashes reported

Al Jazeera  

The armed group, which was absent from the latest peace talks, has requested a meeting with regional mediators over the continuing conflict. The M23 rebel group says it is ready to withdraw from occupied territory in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and will support regional peace-making efforts despite not being represented in talks. The Tutsi-led armed group widely seen …

UN mission denounces DR Congo ‘massacre’, calls for investigation
2 years ago

UN mission denounces DR Congo ‘massacre’, calls for investigation

Al Jazeera  

Peacekeeping mission condemns ‘appalling act’ as it calls for an immediate end to violence against civilians in the east. The UN’s peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has denounced the killings of 50 villagers allegedly by the M23 armed group in the country’s conflict-wracked east as it called for an investigation to “bring the perpetrators to justice”. …

Talks begin on disarmament of rebel groups in eastern Congo
2 years ago

Talks begin on disarmament of rebel groups in eastern Congo

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The …

M23 accept conditional ceasefire, want talks with DRC government
2 years ago

M23 accept conditional ceasefire, want talks with DRC government

Al Jazeera  

The armed group was warned that if they did not cease fire after the deadline, force would be used to push them out. There has been a pause in fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, after confrontations on Friday between Congolese troops and M23 rebels, as the armed group conditionally agreed to a ceasefire. However, M23, which …

DRC fighting resumes, M23 say ceasefire deal doesn’t affect them
2 years ago

DRC fighting resumes, M23 say ceasefire deal doesn’t affect them

Al Jazeera  

Congolese government has rejected any direct talks with M23, while the armed group says it has no plans to withdraw. Fighting resumed between troops in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and M23 rebels in the country’s east on Friday, as the armed group said a ceasefire deal between African leaders “doesn’t really concern” them. But Lawrence Kanyuka, the political …

African leaders agree on ‘immediate ceasefire’ in eastern DRC
2 years, 1 month ago

African leaders agree on ‘immediate ceasefire’ in eastern DRC

Al Jazeera  

Regional African leaders, including from Rwanda and DRC, agree on the cessation of hostilities from Friday. African leaders have declared a cessation of hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo starting Friday, according to a joint statement released after talks in the Angolan capital Luanda, with the aim of ending fighting between Congolese troops and M23 rebels. An East …

Rwanda agrees on ‘immediate ceasefire’ in eastern DR Congo
2 years, 1 month ago

Rwanda agrees on ‘immediate ceasefire’ in eastern DR Congo

Al Jazeera  

Former Kenyan president and Rwandan leader agree on the need for M23 rebels to cease fire and withdraw from eastern DRC. Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Rwandan leader Paul Kagame have agreed on the need for M23 rebels to cease fire and withdraw from captured territories in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the East African …

DR Congo expels Rwandan ambassador as M23 rebels seize towns
2 years, 1 month ago

DR Congo expels Rwandan ambassador as M23 rebels seize towns

Al Jazeera  

Kinshasa orders Ambassador Vincent Karega to leave the country within 48 hours after accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s government has ordered Rwandan Ambassador Vincent Karega to leave the country within 48 hours after accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels, who have seized two towns in the DRC’s east, raising tensions between the two …

UN experts: Rwandan forces operate with M23 rebels in Congo
2 years, 4 months ago

UN experts: Rwandan forces operate with M23 rebels in Congo

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — U.N. experts say they have “solid evidence” that members of Rwanda’s armed forces are conducting operations in volatile eastern Congo in support of the M23 rebel group, which is waging a major offensive in the mineral-rich region that has caused deaths and massive displacement of civilians. In a new report to the U.N. Security Council, obtained Thursday …

Rwanda backing M23 rebels in DRC: UN experts
2 years, 4 months ago

Rwanda backing M23 rebels in DRC: UN experts

Al Jazeera  

A UN group of experts finds ‘solid evidence’ that Kigali is supporting M23 fighters despite repeated denials. Rwandan troops attacked soldiers inside DR Congo and aided the M23 rebel group with weapons and support, a United Nations group of experts said, citing “solid evidence” despite reiterated denials by Kigali. A 131-page report by United Nations Security Council experts found Rwanda …

Clashes continue in DRC despite de-escalation pact with Rwanda
2 years, 5 months ago

Clashes continue in DRC despite de-escalation pact with Rwanda

Al Jazeera  

An M23 rebel spokesman said there was an exchange of fire after Congolese troops attacked a rebel position in the east. Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Congolese counterpart Felix Tshisekedi met in Angola on Wednesday and agreed on a plan that included an immediate cessation of hostilities and the retreat of M23 fighters from Congo. M23 spokesman Willy Ngoma …

DR Congo and Rwanda agree to reduce tensions over M23 rebels
2 years, 5 months ago

DR Congo and Rwanda agree to reduce tensions over M23 rebels

Al Jazeera  

DRC says it has agreed ‘de-escalation process’ with Rwanda following weeks of rising tensions over rebel fighting. Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo have agreed to a “de-escalation process” following one-day talks between their presidents, mediated by Angola, amid rising tensions over the activities of the M23 rebel group, the Congolese presidency said. It also called for a return …

UN envoy warns Congo's M23 rebels are acting like an army
2 years, 5 months ago

UN envoy warns Congo's M23 rebels are acting like an army

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The U.N. special envoy for …

East African leaders send regional force to eastern Congo
2 years, 6 months ago

East African leaders send regional force to eastern Congo

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy East Africa’s leaders have responded …

DR Congo welcomes deployment of regional force to fight rebels
2 years, 6 months ago

DR Congo welcomes deployment of regional force to fight rebels

Al Jazeera  

Kinshasa says it will not accept the participation of Rwandan troops in any regional force to fight the M23 rebels. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has welcomed Kenya’s proposal to deploy a regional force to fight the M23 rebel group in the east of the country, but said it won’t accept neighbour Rwanda’s participation. Rwanda denies DRC’s allegations that …

EXPLAINER: Why Rwanda and Congo are sliding toward war again
2 years, 6 months ago

EXPLAINER: Why Rwanda and Congo are sliding toward war again

Associated Press  

NAIROBI, Kenya — The threat of war with neighboring Congo is simmering under the tidy surface of Rwanda’s capital as the East African nation hosts the British prime minister and other world leaders next week for the Commonwealth summit. If Rwanda wants war, “it will have war,” a spokesman for the military governor of Congo’s North Kivu province told thousands …

Why Rwanda and Congo are sliding toward war again
2 years, 6 months ago

Why Rwanda and Congo are sliding toward war again

LA Times  

People walk on the road near Kibumba, north of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, as they flee fighting between Congolese forces and M23 rebels in North Kivu last month. If Rwanda wants war, “it will have war,” a spokesman for the military governor of Congo’s North Kivu province told thousands of protesters on Wednesday. At that, Congo’s military accused Rwandan …

Analysis: Why are Rwanda and DRC having another diplomatic spat?
2 years, 6 months ago

Analysis: Why are Rwanda and DRC having another diplomatic spat?

Al Jazeera  

The current diplomatic spat seems to have been triggered by fighting between M23 and state forces in eastern DR Congo. Meanwhile, Kigali, which had already accused Congolese security forces of firing rockets into its territory, said two Rwandan soldiers had been kidnapped on patrol and were being held by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda – another rebel …

M23 rebels attack military positions in eastern DR Congo
2 years, 8 months ago

M23 rebels attack military positions in eastern DR Congo

Al Jazeera  

The clashes were reported near the villages of Tshanzu and Runyoni, about 50km northeast of Goma. Fighters from a rebel group attacked an army position in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s conflict-torn east overnight, triggering heavy fighting, a local official and a witness have said. “I confirm the attack since last night on our positions,” Muhindo Luanzo, assistant to the …

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