DRC Roundup: Rebel attacks, ceasefire tensions, SADC talks

Nearly 60 civilians killed in rebel attacks in North Kivu

Within 72 hours, almost 60 civilians were killed in assaults attributed to Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in Lubero territory’s Bapere sector and in Oïcha, capital of Beni territory (North Kivu). The latest attack occurred on the evening of August 16, 2025, in Oïcha’s Mbimbi district, where fighters killed at least nine civilians and set fire to a dozen houses. Atrocious images circulated online the next day, with local civil society confirming the assailants withdrew after the attack. The surge in violence follows the dismantling of a major ADF base by joint Congolese and Ugandan forces in Ituri’s Mambasa region, raising fears of reprisals.

Ceasefire violations intensify amid stalled Doha peace process

The Congolese Ministry of National Defence informed the Council of Ministers of continued violations of the Washington Agreement and Doha Declaration of Principles. Reports cite forced child recruitment and repeated assaults on FARDC positions by M23/AFC rebels. Rising tensions between FARDC and the M23 coalition in North and South Kivu were accompanied by accusations of civilian massacres. The Congolese army condemned the “warmongering attitude” of M23/AFC, warning of further destabilisation as the Doha peace talks face delays.

SADC ministers review Eastern DRC conflict

On August 15, the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ Troika met in Antananarivo, Madagascar, ahead of the 45th Summit of Heads of State. Chaired by Tanzania’s Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the meeting reviewed security developments in Eastern DRC, Mozambique, and other regional hotspots. The ministers also discussed the DRC–Zambia border dispute, election reviews in the region, and mechanisms for mediation and preventive diplomacy. Documents were prepared for the Organ Troika Summit, reaffirming SADC’s focus on peace and security coordination.

Government creates Strategic Investment Fund

The Congolese government has approved a decree establishing the Strategic Investment Fund of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Presented by Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba at the Council of Ministers meeting on August 15, the fund will mobilise and structure financing to support national development, economic diversification, and sovereignty. Its responsibilities include investing in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, industry, and emerging technologies; managing public assets transparently; and promoting co-investment with institutional and private partners.

U.S. calls UN Security Council meeting on DRC atrocities

The United States has requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting to address ongoing atrocities in the DRC. The State Department’s Office of African Affairs condemned violence by M23/AFC rebels and called on all parties to respect the Doha ceasefire. Amnesty International, in a new report, denounced abuses by both M23/AFC and pro-government Wazalendo militias, citing extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, kidnappings, and attacks on hospitals. The NGO urged Rwanda to take responsibility and pressed President Félix Tshisekedi to prosecute Wazalendo fighters implicated in crimes.