Heavy clashes erupted on Tuesday between the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), along with coalition forces, on multiple fronts in South Kivu province. Fighting was reported in Katogota-Luvungi, Kaziba-Haut Plateau, Tchivanga-Hombo, and Kasika-Mwenga areas in Uvira territory, according to local sources, prompting massive displacement of civilians.
Bertrand Bisimwa, president of M23, confirmed the fighting in a brief statement. The group’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, accused FARDC and coalition forces of launching attacks, describing the situation as catastrophic and worsening by the minute.
Kanyuka stated: “From the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime launched widespread attacks against densely populated areas and along the entire front line. These particularly intense assaults are concentrated along Katogota-Luvungi, Kaziba-Haut Plateau, Tchivanga-Hombo, and Kasika-Mwenga. The situation is catastrophic and deteriorating by the minute.”
The FARDC has yet to respond to the accusations. Both parties have previously blamed each other for violations of ceasefire agreements facilitated in Doha, Qatar. On November 8, 2025, the M23/AFC rebels and the DR Congo government signed a framework agreement in Doha to continue negotiations toward a comprehensive peace deal.
The framework outlines the development of specific protocols, but fighting has continued, challenging the agreement’s viability. M23 currently controls large parts of North and South Kivu provinces, including Goma and Bukavu cities, Goma International Airport, and Kavumu Airport.
Since the group’s resurgence in 2022, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, the DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels—a claim both Rwanda and M23 deny. The rebels insist their struggle targets corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the Congolese leadership.
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