Congo army and rebels trade blame over clashes, troop buildup

13/8/2025 6:19

Congo's army on Tuesday accused Rwanda-backed rebels of carrying out multiple attacks in eastern Congo which it said violated agreements signed in

Washington and Doha, and warned it reserved the right to respond to provocations.



The army statement came a day after the rebel group, known as M23, accused Congolese forces of mobilising more troops and violating the terms of a declaration of principles signed on July 19 in Doha voicing support for a permanent ceasefire.



The conflicting statements came as peace talks scheduled to resume in Doha last week have been delayed. In the declaration of principles, Congo and M23 pledged to begin talks by August 8 and aim for a final deal by August 18.



Neither side currently has delegations in Doha.



M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa said last week that the rebels had not received an invitation to the talks.