Rwanda Accuses DRC, Burundi of "Deliberate" Ceasefire Violations, Warns of Escalating Crisis
The Government of Rwanda has issued a forceful condemnation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi, accusing their armies of systematically violating the Washington Accords ceasefire and instigating a severe humanitarian and security crisis along Rwanda’s western border.
In an official statement released Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Rwanda categorically rejected any blame for ongoing fighting in South Kivu, placing responsibility squarely on the Congolese Army (FARDC), the Burundian Army (FDNB), and their coalition allies.
"The responsibility for ceasefire violations, ongoing attacks and fighting in South Kivu, DRC cannot be placed on Rwanda," the statement read. It condemned the allied forces, which it said include the DRC-backed FDLR—a Rwandan ethnic militia labeled "genocidal" by Kigali—as well as Wazalendo militias and foreign mercenaries.
Rwanda alleges these forces have "been systematically bombing civilian villages close to the Rwandan border, using fighter jets and attack drones," actions it claims have forced the armed group AFC/M23 to mount a counter-defense.
The ministry presented what it described as direct consequences of the offensives. It stated that bombing from Burundian territory targeting Kamanyola in the DRC this past week has driven over 1,000 Congolese civilians to flee into Rwanda’s Southern Province. The refugees are reportedly being accommodated at the Nyarushishi Transit Camp in Bugarama.
Further, the statement raised alarm over the situation in Minembwe, alleging that approximately 20,000 Burundian troops, deployed in South Kivu in support of the DRC government, have laid siege to Banyamulenge villages "in a deliberate attempt to starve the residents."
Kigali accused the government of President Félix Tshisekedi of bad faith, stating that the DRC "has openly stated that it would not observe any ceasefire" and was pursuing a military solution even during peace talks. The statement suggested President Tshisekedi’s participation in the Washington Accords signing ceremony on December 4 was disingenuous, saying he appeared "as if forced to sign the Accords."
"It is now clear that the DRC was never ready to commit to peace," the ministry declared.
A critical point of contention highlighted is the DRC’s alleged failure to "neutralize the FDLR as stipulated in the June 2025 Peace Agreement," which Rwanda states is a major obstacle to resolving the conflict. This, coupled with the recent military actions, is described as "a serious obstacle to peace" and a direct "security threat to Rwanda's western border."
Rwanda called for an immediate return to the frameworks of the Washington Accords and the swift conclusion of remaining annexes from the earlier Doha Agreement between the DRC and the AFC/M23.
"This is the most viable path forward for peace, stability and prosperity in the Great Lakes region," the statement concluded.
The allegations mark a significant and sharp escalation in diplomatic rhetoric, threatening to derail recently renewed peace efforts. As of publication, the governments of the DRC and Burundi have not issued official responses to Rwanda’s claims. The situation underscores the fragile and volatile state of security in Eastern DRC, with regional stability once again hanging in the balance.
