Tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have escalated once again, with the Congolese military accusing Rwanda of staging a fake video to depict captured rebels linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The controversy arose after M23 rebels, who are backed by Rwanda, claimed to have captured fighters from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)—a militia group with roots in the genocide that targeted Rwanda’s Tutsi population. The rebels released footage allegedly showing the handover of 20 FDLR members at a border crossing, but the DRC’s military dismissed the video as “fabricated.”
In a strongly worded statement, the Congolese army accused Rwanda of using old prisoners, dressing them in military fatigues, and presenting them as newly captured fighters. The military described the move as “a faked incident in poor taste orchestrated with the sole aim of discrediting our army.”
“This is part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to justify its military presence and continued support for M23 rebels in eastern Congo,” the statement added.
For years, Rwanda has pointed to the FDLR’s presence in eastern Congo as justification for its involvement in the region.While Kigali has repeatedly denied backing M23, it has also insisted that it has the right to take military action against the FDLR.
The accusations come as M23 rebels continue their rapid military gains in eastern DR Congo. Since January, they have seized key cities, including Bukavu and Goma—the region’s largest urban center. The United Nations estimates that the fighting has displaced at least 500,000 people, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
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UN experts have previously reported that Rwanda has deployed thousands of troops in eastern Congo. Meanwhile, the DRC government has been accused of using armed groups, including the FDLR, as proxies in its battle against M23.
The conflict took another deadly turn on Thursday when gunfire and explosions disrupted a rally held by rebel leaders in Bukavu. Videos from the scene showed people fleeing in panic, with bodies strewn on the streets.
M23 fighters had taken control of Bukavu last month after pushing government forces out. The rally was being addressed by Corneille Nangaa, the head of a coalition of rebel groups that includes M23.
The rebels have accused President Félix Tshisekedi’s government of orchestrating the attack, while the president has blamed “a foreign army” operating in the east.
The latest escalation has drawn international concern, with both the African Union and the United Nations calling for an immediate ceasefire. They have urged M23 rebels to withdraw from the territories they have seized and for diplomatic efforts to resume.
With tensions rising and no resolution in sight, eastern DR Congo remains a volatile battleground—one where civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.
