Renewed Clashes in Eastern DRC Despite Ceasefire

Fighting has resumed in eastern DRC between the Congolese army and the paramilitary AFC-M23 despite a ceasefire proposed by Angola’s President João Lourenço. Both sides accuse each other of violating the truce, with Kinshasa claiming the rebels aim to expand territory, while M23 blames government forces for attacks. Civilians are heavily affected, with many displaced to makeshift camps in Uvira and calling for a lasting solution. Clashes over the weekend between Congolese-aligned Wazalendo forces and M23-backed Twirwaneho fighters highlight the fragility of peace in the region.

Fighting between the Congolese army and the paramilitary group AFC-M23 has resumed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite a ceasefire proposed last week by Angola’s President João Lourenço. The renewed hostilities come amid growing tensions and mutual accusations, as both sides blame each other for violating the truce. The Congolese government asserts that the rebels are seeking to strengthen their territorial positions while continuing diplomatic engagements, effectively undermining peace efforts.
Kifara Kapenda Kyk'y, mayor of the city of Uvira, voiced his concerns about the situation, emphasizing the differing priorities of the conflicting parties. He stated, “The Congolese government is very respectful, since it is the one that really needs peace, while the rebels do not need peace; they need to conquer more and do nothing in the areas they occupy except loot for Rwanda.”
On the other hand, the M23 movement strongly rejected the government’s accusations. Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of M23, argued that government forces were responsible for the escalation, citing recent strikes and ground offensives targeting rebel positions and surrounding areas. He claimed, “Even our entry into Goma is because Kinshasa never wanted to respect the ceasefire. The ceasefire is being violated because it is the strategy of the Kinshasa regime to continue the war. Don’t forget, war is a business for the Kinshasa regime. That’s where they steal, that’s where they embezzle.”
These conflicting narratives have created a climate of mistrust, further weakening the already fragile truce in the region. While diplomatic efforts are ongoing, the situation on the ground remains tense, and civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.
Many families have been displaced by the renewed fighting and are seeking refuge in makeshift camps in Uvira. The humanitarian toll is evident, with residents expressing frustration over the repeated cycles of conflict and ceasefires that fail to bring lasting peace. Devota Mwadjuma, a displaced resident, said, “There are ceasefires every time, but no solution, and the war continues. They continue to fight. They clashed in Lemera yesterday.” Another refugee, Bernadette Shalulo, appealed to authorities for intervention, stating, “Help us! We ask the authorities to sit down together to find a solution, such as stopping the war, so that we can return home, continue farming, live with our children and regain our peaceful lives.”
Over the past weekend, clashes continued between Congolese-aligned Wazalendo forces and M23-backed Twirwaneho fighters, according to reports from civil society groups. These repeated confrontations illustrate the challenges of implementing a ceasefire and highlight the persistent instability in eastern DRC. While diplomatic channels remain active, the ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution that prioritizes both peace and the safety of civilians in the region.