Tensions have flared once again in eastern DR Congo, with the national army and M23-aligned rebels each accusing the other of breaching a delicate ceasefire just two days before a US-brokered peace agreement is due to be signed in Washington.
The Congolese military said rebel fighters attacked its positions in Kaziba, Katogota and Lubarika, alleging the assaults were intended to undermine ongoing peace efforts led by Washington and Doha. Army spokesperson Major General Sylvain Ekenge called the incidents a clear attempt to derail negotiations.
But the rebel Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, issued its own statement claiming Congolese, Burundian and other regional troops launched an offensive earlier in the day. Alliance leader Corneille Nangaa said the group was compelled to “defend itself and protect civilians,” accusing government forces of violating the truce first.
The latest exchange highlights the fragility of the peace process, which has repeatedly stalled despite multiple frameworks and declarations signed throughout 2024 and 2025. Previous commitments made in Doha and earlier agreements involving Rwanda have also failed to hold, with each side blaming the other for renewed fighting.
The US and Qatar have played key roles in brokering talks, and Washington says Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame remain set to formalise a new accord on December 4. Meanwhile, violence in the east has intensified, with M23 capturing major towns such as Goma and Bukavu, leaving thousands dead and displacing tens of thousands.
