Intense clashes have erupted over the past four days between the Congolese army and the M23 rebellion across several territories in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), despite an existing ceasefire agreement, local media reported on Thursday.
Since late 2021, the “March 23 Movement” (M23) has seized significant areas in North Kivu province, nearly encircling Goma, the provincial capital. Although a ceasefire was signed in early August, skirmishes continue to be frequent. In late October, the M23 captured several localities, displacing the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and pro-government militias.
On Sunday, the intensity of the fighting escalated in the northern area of M23 operations, particularly in the Lubero territory, where the front lines create a salient along the road leading to Butembo, an important commercial hub located about sixty kilometers away and still under FARDC control.
Since then, confrontations have persisted on the western side of this salient. On Thursday, the Congolese army confirmed that “fighting is still ongoing,” leaving the situation uncertain.
According to various local and military sources, both sides have been sending reinforcements to the relatively stable northern front since the establishment of the ceasefire, raising concerns about a potential breakthrough.
