Fighting Resumes Between M23 and Congolese Army in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Violent clashes have erupted once more between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite a recent peace treaty, according to security and local sources who spoke to AFP on Monday.

Background of Peace Agreements

On 19 July, the government in Kinshasa and the M23 movement signed a declaration of principles, committing to a permanent ceasefire. This followed a broader peace agreement signed between the DRC and Rwanda in late June.

Escalation of Violence Despite Accords

Despite these agreements, violence has continued unabated. Fighting between the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and local groups aligned with Kinshasa has escalated since Friday in the vicinity of the town of Mulamba, located in South Kivu province.

Local and security sources report that the M23 forces successfully repelled militiamen and soldiers of the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) after intense clashes involving both heavy and light weaponry.

Current Situation and Reinforcements

Both factions reportedly dispatched reinforcements on Sunday, with fighting still ongoing on Monday around Mulamba — a town approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) southwest of Bukavu, the provincial capital.

A resident reached by telephone told AFP: “Both forces are using heavy weapons, and bombs are being fired in all directions at Mulamba.”

Neither the Congolese army nor the M23 has released figures on casualties.

Statements from M23

In a statement issued on Monday, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka accused the government in Kinshasa of launching: “Offensive military manoeuvres with a view to a large-scale conflict.”

Historical Context and Humanitarian Impact

Since its resurgence in 2021, the M23 group has seized extensive territories in the resource-rich eastern regions of the DRC, including capturing the major cities of Goma in January and Bukavu in February.

The ongoing conflict has forced over two million people to flee violence in the east since January, according to a United Nations report published in late July by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Summary Table: Conflict Overview in Eastern DRC