Renewed clashes erupted in eastern Congo on Monday, violating an existing ceasefire, according to statements from both the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group. The resurgence of violence raises concerns over whether the M23 will halt its offensive following the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the region.
The Tutsi-led M23 insurgency, which reignited in 2022, has deepened instability in eastern Congo. Both the Congolese government and the United Nations accuse Rwanda of supporting the group with troops and weapons, allegations Rwanda denies. However, a U.N. report in July estimated that 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan government forces were operating in eastern Congo, allegedly in collaboration with M23 fighters.
During a meeting on Nov. 25, foreign ministers from Congo and Rwanda outlined conditions for the disengagement of Rwandan forces. Despite this diplomatic progress, M23 and the Congolese army confirmed on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, that hostilities had resumed.
Angola, which has been mediating the conflict, announced on Monday that Congolese and Rwandan presidents are scheduled to meet on Dec. 15. This would mark their first official talks since 2023.
While M23 stated on Nov. 30 that it continues to honor a ceasefire agreement reached in March 2023, the group emphasized its exclusion from ongoing negotiations between Rwanda and Congo.
The United States expressed “grave concern” earlier in November over repeated ceasefire violations by M23 rebels, further complicating prospects for peace in the region.
