Fierce fighting between the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), backed by Wazalendo fighters, was reported on several fronts in South Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on Sunday, worsening the humanitarian situation in the region.
According to local residents, fighting was reported in Gipimo, Rugezi, Kuwihene and surrounding areas in Minembwe, Fizi Territory. Clashes were also reported in Point Zéro, a strategic village and mountain junction located in the highlands along the border between Fizi and Mwenga territories.
Residents said the fighting caused panic and the displacement of civilians from affected areas. Recent reports have also identified Gipimo, Rugezi and Point Zéro among areas repeatedly affected by fighting in the South Kivu highlands.
On Sunday afternoon, Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23/AFC spokesperson, issued a statement confirming the fighting. Kanyuka claimed that in the early hours of Sunday morning, FARDC and allied forces launched simultaneous attacks using 82mm mortars and kamikaze drones in Gipimo, Rugezi, Kuwihene and surrounding areas.
He further claimed that at around 7:20 AM, FARDC and allied forces launched fresh attacks on Point Zéro using 107mm and 120mm mortars.
Kanyuka said the attacks also affected areas inhabited by civilians. He added that M23/AFC fighters were conducting what he described as defensive operations to protect civilians. The FARDC had not stated the latest clashes by the time of publication.
Kanyuka also alleged that on Saturday, September 26, 2026, elements of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which he accused of fighting alongside FARDC, infiltrated the centre of Burungu in Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province, killing eight civilians and injuring six others. The claim could not immediately be independently verified.
Meanwhile, fierce fighting was reported on Saturday in the Basimukindji 2 area, particularly in Maheta, Magunda, Nabuhera, Kakuku and Musonjo in Itombwe Sector, as well as in several localities in the Bijombo area of Mwenga Territory, South Kivu Province.
On Saturday evening, M23/AFC released videos showing fighters who claimed that they had recaptured Remeka Centre in Ufamandu 1 gropement, Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province, after dislodging FARDC and Wazalendo fighters.
The renewed clashes come amid ongoing regional and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, allegations that Kigali and the rebel movement have denied.
M23/AFC says its armed struggle is aimed at addressing what it describes as corruption, discrimination and other grievances within the Congolese government. The conflict has continued to cause insecurity and civilian displacement across parts of North and South Kivu, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.