Fresh fighting erupts between M23 rebels and Congolese army

Fresh fighting has erupted between the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels and Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) soldiers and militia coalition has been reported in Kibumba, Nyiragongo territory, North Kivu province. 

According to residents in the area, the fighting started on Wednesday at around 7:30 am. Later, the M23 president, Bertrand Bisimwa released a statement confirming the fight. Bisimwa accused FARDC soldiers of violating ceasefire resolutions set by East African Community Heads of State.

“After occupying the positions ceded by the ARC/M23 to the @EACRF in Kibumba this [Wednesday] morning, the Kinshasa government coalition is currently attacking our forces, the fighting is ongoing. We condemn this umpteenth violation of EAC resolutions”, said Bisimwa.

There has been relative calm in the area for weeks following the deployment of the East African Community (EAC) regional force in some areas like Bunagana, Kiwanja, Kibumba, and Mweso among others.

M23 handed over its positions to the EAC regional force (Kenyan troops) in Kibumba in December 2022. However, it remains unclear why the rebels are still in the area.

M23 launched a war against the DR Congo government specifically the North Kivu province in March 2023. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of backing M23, but Rwanda and M23 strongly deny it. The rebels claim to fight against bad leadership in DRC based on corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination.