Overview:
The latter remains resolutely committed to the strict observance of the ceasefire as well as the obligations arising from the Doha Agreement. The world is witness to this today," Kanyuka said.
The insurgency in North Kivu has intensified as fierce clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and allied forces, and the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels continue into their eighth day on Thursday. The fighting has already claimed the life of Lieutenant Colonel Willy Ngoma, military spokesperson for the M23/AFC rebels.
Ngoma was killed in a drone strike at around 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday in the coltan-mining town of Rubaya. The strike targeted a residential house at Kasuku Farm where he was staying. On Thursday, gunfire exchanges allowed M23/AFC rebels to recapture the localities of Luke, Kasenyi, and Katobotobo in Masisi territory, which had been seized by FARDC and coalition forces during Wednesday’s clashes, according to local sources. M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka issued a statement accusing FARDC and its allies of repeated ceasefire violations, while asserting that the rebels remain committed to the Doha Agreement.
“The Congolese people and the international community are invited to take note, with the utmost attention, of the repeated violations of the ceasefire perpetrated by the Kinshasa regime, which gravely undermine efforts at de-escalation and impose a dynamic of total war against the Alliance Fleuve Congo / Mouvement du 23 Mars (AFC/M23). The latter remains resolutely committed to the strict observance of the ceasefire as well as the obligations arising from the Doha Agreement. The world is witness to this today,” Kanyuka said.
FARDC has not yet responded to the latest developments. The recapture of these localities highlights the volatility of the front lines in Masisi territory, which remain shifting and unpredictable. Security and civilian sources indicate that rebel reinforcements from neighboring Rutshuru territory have been deployed to the front lines, bolstering the rebels’ offensive capabilities and facilitating their recapture of the towns. The fighting has caused massive displacement of civilians in affected areas.
The renewed hostilities raise concerns over the ongoing peace talks reportedly taking place in Doha, Qatar, and whether they can achieve meaningful results amid escalating clashes. Since its resurgence in 2022 under leaders Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, M23/AFC has repeatedly accused the Congolese government of ceasefire violations, while the government has alleged Rwandan support for the rebels—claims denied by both Kigali and M23.
M23/AFC maintains that its objective is to fight corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the Democratic Republic of Congo’s political leadership. In early 2025, the group launched a rapid offensive across eastern Congo, capturing several key towns and raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
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