The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has once again accused Rwanda of destabilising eastern Congo, following a detailed response to allegations raised by Human Rights Watch.
In a lengthy statement, the Kinshasa government blamed the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the AFC/M23 coalition for what it described as ongoing violence, insecurity, and serious violations of human rights in the region.
The DRC government reiterated claims that Rwandan troops are operating on Congolese territory, describing the alleged presence as a violation of international law and United Nations principles, particularly those relating to state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to the statement, although the AFC/M23 coalition announced its withdrawal from Uvira on January 17, 2026, the Congolese authorities say the move did not restore security.
Instead, Kinshasa claims the withdrawal was deliberately planned to leave behind chaos, intimidate civilians, and prolong instability in the area.
The statement lists alleged abuses including organised looting, intimidation of civilians, acts of terror, harassment, and hate-driven conduct based on ethnic and community identities.
However, some local residents dispute the government’s narrative, accusing Wazalendo militias, the FDLR, and elements of the Congolese army (FARDC) of being responsible for continued insecurity.
According to local reports, at least 28 people have been killed in the four days following the AFC/M23 withdrawal from Uvira.
The DRC government also claimed that civilians—particularly members of the Banyamulenge community, were forcibly displaced from Uvira.
These claims have been challenged by some residents, who say they fled due to sustained attacks by Wazalendo militias.
Kinshasa said the reported acts amount to serious violations of international humanitarian law protecting civilians during armed conflict, allegedly carried out in a climate of fear created by forces occupying the area.
It warned that such actions could constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity if committed on a widespread or systematic basis against civilian populations.
In response, the government said it has worked with provincial authorities to issue clear messages aimed at restoring calm, condemning all forms of discrimination, and promoting social cohesion.
It stressed that acts of retaliation or vigilante justice are unacceptable, and called for strict adherence to the law and the normal functioning of judicial institutions.
The government further said the rapid deployment of FARDC troops, the National Police, and other security agencies helped restore state authority in Uvira, protect civilians, and reduce security risks.
Despite these assurances, residents of Uvira continue to raise alarm. Some locals have gone as far as calling for the return of AFC/M23 forces, accusing government troops, alongside Wazalendo militias and the FDLR, of ongoing abuses against civilians.
