Fighting has resumed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between the national army and the M23 rebel group, shattering a recently proposed ceasefire and heightening fears of further escalation. The violence undermines diplomatic efforts led by Angola to stabilize the region.
The ceasefire, announced last week by Angolan President João Lourenço, was designed to pause hostilities and create space for dialogue. Both the Congolese government and the M23 now accuse each other of initiating the renewed clashes. The government in Kinshasa alleges the rebels are using the pause to reposition and strengthen their military capacity ahead of continued talks. In contrast, an M23 spokesperson, Corneille Nangaa, claimed government forces launched strikes and ground offensives against their positions, stating their capture of Goma was a direct result of Kinshasa’s failure to honor the truce.
“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,” Nangaa told Africanews, echoing long-held rebel accusations of government bad faith.
The resumption of combat follows a familiar pattern of mutual blame that has plagued previous peace initiatives. This latest breakdown deepens mistrust and leaves the regional ceasefire framework increasingly fragile.
Civilians are bearing the brunt of the renewed conflict. Thousands have been displaced once again, seeking shelter in makeshift camps around Uvira. Displaced residents reported hearing clashes in nearby areas, including Lemera, despite the announced pause.
“There are ceasefires every time, but no solution, and the war continues,” said Devota Mwadjuma, a war-affected civilian. Others appealed directly to authorities to pursue a lasting political solution. “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,” said Bernadette Shalulo, highlighting the human cost of the political and military stalemate.
The conflict has also taken on a more localized and complex character. Over the weekend, clashes were reported between Congolese-aligned Wazalendo forces and M23-backed Twirwaneho fighters, illustrating the fragmented nature of armed groups in the east.
Diplomatic engagement continues, with regional actors pushing for a return to the ceasefire terms. However, on the ground in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, the prospect of a durable peace remains remote. The collapse of this latest truce underscores the profound divide between the warring parties and the immense challenge of achieving a sustainable resolution to the long-standing conflict in eastern DRC.
