Violence Rises in South Kivu as M23 Strikes Government Soldiers

Fresh clashes erupted on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, between the M23 rebel group and Congolese government forces, backed by coalition troops, across several areas in South Kivu province, heightening tensions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Heavy fighting was reported in Katogota-Luvungi, Kaziba-Haut Plateau, Tchivanga-Hombo, and Kasika-Mwenga. Many residents fled their homes as the situation grew increasingly unsafe.

M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa confirmed the renewed confrontations. The group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, accused government forces of attacking crowded civilian areas, saying the situation was getting worse by the hour and causing severe hardship for local communities.

The violence comes less than a month after the peace framework signed in Doha on November 8, 2025, which aimed to push forward talks between M23 and the Congolese government. However, both sides have continued to accuse each other of violating the ceasefire, casting doubt on the agreement’s durability. M23 currently controls major parts of North and South Kivu, including the key cities of Goma and Bukavu, as well as Goma and Kavumu airports.

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