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The M23 rebels, who claim to defend the ethnic Tutsi population, have been active since 2021, seizing large areas of the eastern DRC and displacing thousands
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GOMA - Fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese army has intensified in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the past four days, despite a ceasefire brokered by Angola earlier this year. Local and military sources confirmed the renewed hostilities, which have further destabilized the region and worsened the humanitarian crisis.
The M23 rebels, who claim to defend the ethnic Tutsi population, have been active since 2021, seizing large areas of the eastern DRC and displacing thousands. The group has now nearly encircled Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
Fragile truce fails to hold
In August, Angola mediated a fragile truce that temporarily stabilized the front lines, though sporadic exchanges of fire continued. However, since late October, M23 has launched localized offensives, undermining efforts by the Congolese military and government-aligned armed groups to contain them.
Despite ongoing violations, diplomatic dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda, accused of supporting M23, has persisted under Angola's mediation.
"We are not concerned in any way by the agreement between the DRC and Rwanda," an M23 spokesperson told AFP on Thursday.
Intensifying clashes
Recent fighting has shifted to Lubero territory, north of the rebels’ usual area of operations. The front line is now concentrated along a key road leading to Butembo, a major commercial hub under government control.
Both sides have accused each other of initiating the attacks and claim to have captured and defended various positions, though there has been no significant territorial gain.
The Congolese armed forces reported that fighting was ongoing as of Thursday, while the situation on the ground remained unclear. Reinforcements have been deployed to the northern front, raising fears of further escalation.
Humanitarian impact
The renewed clashes have forced thousands to flee their homes. Displaced families began arriving in Kitsambiro, a town north of the combat zone, on Monday, according to Lubero territory administrator Colonel Alain Kiwewa. The humanitarian crisis has worsened, with the conflict disrupting access to essential services and heightening food insecurity in the region.
Upcoming talks
Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi are scheduled to meet in Luanda, Angola, on December 15 to discuss the conflict. The international community hopes the talks will lead to a de-escalation and a path toward lasting peace in the volatile region.
This ongoing conflict underscores the fragile nature of ceasefires in eastern DRC and the urgent need for sustainable conflict resolution mechanisms.
