The Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) has commended the United Nations Security Council for its continued efforts to find a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The group also reaffirmed its full commitment to the Doha peace process mediated by the State of Qatar.
In a statement issued by Lawrence Kanyuka, Head of Communications for M23, the movement highlighted the root causes of the conflict, including the absence of effective state authority, ethnic targeting, poor governance, and the repression of opposition figures.
M23 emphasized that the Congolese Tutsi and other assimilated communities, such as the Banyamulenge and Hema, have been particularly affected.
The movement rejected claims portraying M23 as a foreign-backed force, calling such assertions a “distortion of reality” aimed at delegitimizing the group’s struggle.
M23 stressed that its fight is focused on defending Congolese rights, including citizenship recognition, refugee repatriation, and protection against attacks allegedly carried out by government-aligned forces and allied foreign militias.
Kanyuka noted that since the start of the Doha negotiations, the group has faced repeated attacks, including airstrikes and drone assaults, which have affected civilians in areas under M23 control. These incidents, he said, underline the urgency of adherence to peace agreements by the government of Kinshasa.
The statement concluded by urging the UN Security Council to press the Congolese government to respect its commitments under the Doha peace process, emphasizing that only sincere dialogue and respect for agreements can address the underlying causes of conflict in the DRC.
M23 reaffirmed its readiness to continue the peace process, expressing hope that constructive engagement will lead to a lasting resolution in the region.
