Fighting has flared again this week between the Congolese army and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, despite a ceasefire agreement signed in Doha.
Clashes broke out on multiple fronts in North and South Kivu provinces. In North Kivu’s Walwa Yongo area, heavy fighting on Friday forced residents to flee, Radio France Internationale reported. Local civil society groups warned that M23 is attempting to seize the strategic town of Benga, with reports of reinforcements in both troops and ammunition.
In South Kivu, civil society sources said the rebels captured several towns after intense battles in Mulamba. The army has denied the claims, while provincial government spokesman Didier Kabi accused M23 of violating the truce, saying troops and allied Wazalendo fighters withdrew to avoid bloodshed. He confirmed that Kanuyola, Muzinzi, Siroko, and part of Mulamba are under rebel control.
Additional clashes were reported in South Kivu’s Fizi territory, as well as in Kibobo and Mikenge, according to health and local officials.