MWE Correspondent
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has once again accused neighbouring Rwanda of direct military involvement in its eastern conflict, saying newly obtained evidence confirms the presence of Rwandan soldiers fighting alongside rebel forces in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
According to Congolese military authorities, the latest claims are based on recent battlefield developments and the capture of individuals said to be linked to Rwanda’s armed forces. The announcement was made as fighting continues in several areas of eastern Congo, underscoring the fragile security situation despite repeated diplomatic efforts to calm tensions.
On Saturday, the Congolese armed forces presented 15 individuals to the media, describing them as Rwandan soldiers who were allegedly captured during clashes with rebels affiliated with the AFC/M23 movement. Military officials said the suspects were detained at different locations along active front lines and were operating within rebel positions. They added that the group also included foreign nationals, although further details were not immediately made public.
The government in Kinshasa says this latest development strengthens its long-held position that Rwanda is actively supporting rebel operations on Congolese soil. Rwanda has consistently denied these accusations, insisting that it has no troops deployed in eastern Congo and accusing Kinshasa of failing to neutralise armed groups hostile to Kigali that operate near the shared border.
Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has endured decades of violence driven by a complex mix of local militias, regional rivalries and competition over natural resources. The region remains one of the most unstable in Africa, with civilians often caught between armed groups and government forces. The resurgence of the M23 rebellion in recent years has further complicated the security landscape and strained relations between Congo and its neighbours.
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Military officials say clashes are continuing in remote areas of both North and South Kivu, with particular concern focused on areas near the strategic town of Uvira. The town is considered vital due to its location close to Lake Tanganyika and key regional trade routes. Sporadic fighting in its surroundings has raised fears of wider displacement and further disruption to civilian life.
These developments come despite renewed diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing hostilities. In recent months, regional leaders have signed agreements intended to halt fighting and reopen dialogue between the parties involved. However, the persistence of violence on the ground has highlighted the gap between political commitments and realities in conflict zones.
Relations between Congo and Rwanda have steadily deteriorated as accusations and counter-accusations intensify. Kinshasa argues that external interference is fuelling the rebellion, while Kigali maintains that Congo has failed to address security threats posed by armed groups operating near its borders. The mutual distrust has made mediation efforts increasingly difficult.
The M23 movement remains at the centre of the dispute. Its continued military activity has undermined peace efforts and drawn in regional actors, raising concerns about a broader escalation in the Great Lakes region. Analysts warn that without genuine cooperation and trust-building measures, the conflict risks becoming even more entrenched.
As the situation continues to evolve, Congolese authorities say they will share their findings with regional and international partners in an effort to rally diplomatic support. For millions of civilians living in eastern Congo, however, the renewed accusations and ongoing clashes offer little relief, reinforcing fears that lasting peace remains elusive despite repeated promises and agreements.
