The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has condemned the surge of hate speech and violence in Uvira, Ituri, and other parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement released on Thursday, the rebel group accused the Kinshasa government and allied forces, including the FARDC, FDLR, Mai-Mai Wazalendo, Imbonerakure, and Burundi’s National Defence Force (FNDB), of fueling ethnic hatred and violence.
Lawrence Kanyuka, Head of Communication for M23, said the situation is worsening in Uvira, with coalition forces conducting operations in densely populated areas, killing civilians and displacing thousands.
“This murderous campaign must stop immediately,” he said.
Kanyuka compared the current crisis to the Gema conflict, which he said was only resolved after AFC/M23 intervention in January 2025.
He warned that inaction by national and international actors constitutes a violation of International Humanitarian Law, human rights law, and basic human rights principles.
He called on humanitarian and human rights organizations to act, stressing that silence amid civilian suffering “cannot be tolerated.”
