Renewed fighting has broken out in South Kivu province between M23 rebels and units of the Congolese army backed by a regional coalition, with heavy clashes reported in Katogota-Luvungi, Kaziba-Haut Plateau, Tchivanga-Hombo, and Kasika-Mwenga.

The violence has forced hundreds of civilians to flee their homes, raising fears of a wider escalation in the conflict.

M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka accuses government troops of launching unprovoked attacks on populated areas, describing the situation as “rapidly worsening and devastating.” Brigadier General Bertrand Bisimwa confirmed the confrontations, while the Congolese military countered that the rebels were responsible for violating the ceasefire.

The skirmishes erupted less than a month after the Doha peace framework brokered by Qatar on November 8, which was intended to advance negotiations between Kinshasa and M23 toward a lasting settlement. Both sides have repeatedly traded blame for breaches of the truce, and the United Nations recently reported 89 civilian deaths from Daesh-linked attacks in eastern DRC in November, underscoring the fragile security environment.

M23, which resurfaced in 2022 under the leadership of Bisimwa and Sultani Makenga, now controls significant territory in North and South Kivu, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu as well as key airports. The Congolese government continues to accuse Rwanda of backing the group, while Kigali denies any involvement. M23 insists its campaign is aimed at fighting corruption and discrimination, though critics argue it has deepened instability in the region.

The renewed violence has displaced millions and worsened humanitarian conditions. The UN mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, has faced mounting criticism, with its head Bintou Keita stepping down earlier than expected. In an effort to cut off funding to armed groups, the Congolese government extended its ban on mineral exports from conflict zones by six months on November 21.