The Congolese army and the M23 rebel group are trading blame over recent clashes and troop buildup in eastern Congo.
The army accused the Rwanda-backed rebels of carrying out multiple attacks, violating agreements signed in Washington and Doha, and warned it reserves the right to respond to provocations.
In response, the M23 rebels claimed Congolese forces mobilized more troops and violated the terms of a declaration of principles signed on July 19 in Doha, which supports a permanent ceasefire.
Peace talks scheduled to resume in Doha have been delayed, with neither side currently having delegations there.
M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa stated the rebels hadn’t received an invitation to the talks, while another rebel leader said they wouldn’t attend until Kinshasa respects the declaration of principles, including releasing detained members.
The conflict has raised concerns about the region’s stability, rich in minerals like tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper and lithium.
The US is mediating between Congo and Rwanda, hoping to attract billions of dollars in Western investment.
Rwanda denies supporting M23, claiming its forces act in self-defense against Congo’s army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
