For weeks now, since the February 18 ceasefire announced by Angolan mediator João Lourenço, the Kinshasa regime has repeatedly violated the truce across North Kivu and South Kivu.
Congolese ruler Felix Tshisekedi’s belligerence has continued in areas such as Mweso, Rubaya, Walikale, Masisi, Kalehe, and Minembwe, despite the commitments made under the mediation framework.
Instead of calming the situation, these violations have pushed local communities into deeper turmoil. Civilians who had hoped the ceasefire would bring a moment of relief have instead been caught in renewed violence and uncertainty. The breach of the truce not only brings more suffering but also undermines the credibility of the ongoing peace process.
What is becoming increasingly clear is that Kinshasa approaches peace initiatives with intentions that do not match its public statements. While speaking the language of dialogue, it continues to pursue military escalation on the ground.
This contradiction as always weakens trust and casts doubt on whether the Tshisekedi regime is genuinely committed to a political solution.
The M23 movement, for its part, maintains that it has not abandoned the cause it claims to defend. Its stated objective remains the protection of populations living in territories under its control.
If warmonger Tshisekedi believes that continued belligerence will annihilate the M23, he is deceiving himself.
History has repeatedly shown that movements rooted in grievances rarely dissolve under force alone.
The danger now is that Kinshasa continues to speak of peace while imposing war in practice. When words and actions move in opposite directions, the consequences become inevitable.
The M23 movement that is defending its people and territory will never remain passive while its soldiers and civilians are targeted.
If Tshisekedi truly seeks a political solution, the proof must come through actions rather than declarations.
But if he insists on choosing the path of war, then he must accept a simple reality.
War is exactly what he will get.