Fresh tensions have emerged in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after reports surfaced that the Congo River Alliance (Alliance Fleuve Congo/AFC), which includes armed groups M23 and Twirwaneho, has arrested an alleged intelligence agent reportedly sent by President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and his Burundian counterpart, President Évariste Ndayishimiye.
The development was made public by a senior member of the AFC/M23 coalition, who claimed the arrested individual had been deployed on a secret mission to eliminate key figures within the alliance. According to the source, the suspect was apprehended during what was described as a covert operation aimed at destabilizing the leadership of the AFC/M23.
During initial interrogations, the suspect allegedly confessed to being sent jointly by the Congolese and Burundian heads of state to infiltrate and sabotage the AFC/M23 leadership. This came in the wake of ongoing peace talks in Doha, which have reportedly failed to yield results for the Congolese government.
The AFC/M23 source stated that video footage of the agent has already been recorded and is expected to be made public in the coming days.
This revelation follows a recent statement issued by the AFC/M23 in response to comments made by Teohna Williams, the Senior MONUSCO Advisor for Civilian Protection, who warned that the security situation in Goma has worsened since the AFC/M23 took control of the city.
In its statement, the coalition accused Williams of spreading “deliberate falsehoods aimed at discrediting the efforts and achievements of the AFC/M23 and disrupting the Doha peace process.” The statement further alleged that such claims are being supported by both the DRC and Burundi governments.
The situation escalated after attacks were reported on April 11 and 12, 2025, in Goma, which the AFC/M23 claims were orchestrated with the backing of MONUSCO and SADC forces operating in the city.
The coalition also asserted that it successfully repelled these attacks, restored calm to Goma and its outskirts, and helped residents return to their homes.
The AFC/M23 has appealed to the international community not to fall for what it terms “manipulative lies” propagated by the DRC and its allies, including Burundi. Instead, the coalition calls for international support towards lasting peace and justice, especially for civilians in North and South Kivu, who it claims are victims of continued military aggression by the Kinshasa government and its partners.
