FARDC, M23 Trade Accusations as Fighting Intensifies in Eastern DR Congo

Renewed fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen the Congolese army and the AFC/M23 rebel alliance exchange accusations, raising fresh concerns over the durability of ceasefire commitments as diplomatic efforts continue to seek a political settlement. The latest clashes have been reported along the Walikale–Masisi axis in North Kivu , where the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), supported by Wazalendo fighters, have been engaged in fighting with M23 forces over strategic positions and villages. FARDC maintains that it has continued to respect the

Renewed fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen the Congolese army and the AFC/M23 rebel alliance exchange accusations, raising fresh concerns over the durability of ceasefire commitments as diplomatic efforts continue to seek a political settlement. The latest clashes have been reported along the Walikale–Masisi axis in North Kivu, where the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), supported by Wazalendo fighters, have been engaged in fighting with M23 forces over strategic positions and villages. FARDC maintains that it has continued to respect the ceasefire but accuses AFC/M23 of launching repeated attacks across several fronts. The Congolese army said the fighting had resulted in civilian deaths, population displacement and the destruction of homes and villages. It did not provide casualty figures. North Kivu military governor and operations commander Major General Évariste Somo Kakule said FARDC would continue defending its positions, territory and civilians. The army also accused AFC/M23 of violating commitments reached through the Doha peace process and the U.S.-brokered agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. AFC/M23, however, disputes the account. Its spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, said government-aligned forces had launched attacks in parts of Masisi and Kalehe. He accused Kinshasa of deploying Wazalendo fighters alongside Burundian troops and elements of the FDLR. According to Kanyuka, fighting was reported around Kivoka, Kadasomwa and Gashihe in Kalehe, as well as Kadahandwa, Nkokwe, Muko, Remeka and Kumadepo in Masisi. He said the clashes had triggered further displacement of civilians. The competing claims come amid reports that FARDC and Wazalendo forces have regained control of several positions previously held by M23, including Mutara, Kivoka, Tushungute, Kashovu and Nteko Miko, as well as Katuunda, Remeka, Miano, Kaleta and Kasake. However, battlefield control remains fluid, and independent verification of territorial changes and casualty figures remains limited. The latest fighting therefore presents another test for efforts to translate diplomatic commitments into a sustained reduction in violence on the ground, particularly in communities already affected by years of conflict and displacement.