The M23 rebel group accused Congo's government on Tuesday of violating a two-week-old ceasefire by attacking civilian areas in the eastern region. Spokesman Laurence Kanyuka said forces from Kinshasa launched strikes at 3 a.m. against towns such as Kibati and Bibwe with heavy weapons and drones.
The rebels said the assault killed women and children while forcing others to flee their homes. M23 warned it would defend itself to protect civilians from what it called the deliberate targeting of populated zones.
Both sides signed a peace deal on Oct. 14 in Doha that established a monitoring mechanism for the truce. Qatar helped broker the agreement as part of efforts to end fighting in a volatile area where M23 says the government mistreats Kinyarwanda speakers.
The fresh accusations threaten diplomatic progress made since July. Observers fear renewed combat could unravel international peace initiatives in eastern Congo.
The rebels said the assault killed women and children while forcing others to flee their homes. M23 warned it would defend itself to protect civilians from what it called the deliberate targeting of populated zones.
Both sides signed a peace deal on Oct. 14 in Doha that established a monitoring mechanism for the truce. Qatar helped broker the agreement as part of efforts to end fighting in a volatile area where M23 says the government mistreats Kinyarwanda speakers.
The fresh accusations threaten diplomatic progress made since July. Observers fear renewed combat could unravel international peace initiatives in eastern Congo.
