Three civilians have been killed, and six others injured as fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the M23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels intensifies in North and South Kivu provinces. The renewed clashes come amid rising tensions following remarks by President Félix Tshisekedi, who vowed to retake the rebel-held cities of Goma and Bukavu through military force. Speaking to Congolese supporters in Houston, United States, on Wednesday after DR Congo’s 1-1 draw with Portugal in the FIFA World Cup, Tshisekedi expressed confidence that territories under M23 control would be recaptured.
He also referred to former President Joseph Kabila as “a dog trained by foreigners,” remarks that sparked criticism from some Congolese who accused him of disrespecting a former head of state. Similarly, M23/AFC condemned the comments, accusing Tshisekedi of undermining ongoing ceasefire efforts.
Residents reported that in the aftermath, heavy fighting erupted in Bweru, Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province, between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m on Thursday. Three civilians were killed, and six others were injured by bomb fragments. The injured are receiving treatment at Bweru Health Centre. Several homes were also destroyed during the bombardment.
Further clashes broke out on Friday morning in the Irundu area of Minembwe, South Kivu Province, triggering fresh civilian displacement. In a statement issued on Friday, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed the casualties and blamed FARDC and its allied forces for launching attacks in violation of ceasefire agreements. Kanyuka said fighting in Irundu has continued for more than a week, worsening what he described as a severe humanitarian crisis. He added that M23/AFC would not remain passive while civilians face bombardment, killings and forced displacement. FARDC had not commented on the latest clashes by Friday afternoon.
Earlier this week, Lieutenant Reagan Mbuyi Kalonji, the spokesperson for FARDC’s Sokola II operations in South Kivu, announced that government forces had recaptured Minembwe Centre and the neighbouring areas of Kitavi, Irundu and Madegu from M23/AFC and its Twirwaneho allies. However, Twirwaneho spokesperson Colonel Kamasha Ndakize rejected the claim, insisting that the areas remain under the control of M23/AFC and Twirwaneho forces.
The latest violence has further weakened hopes for progress in ongoing peace efforts, with both sides continuing to accuse each other of breaching ceasefire agreements. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, allegations that have been consistently denied by both Kigali and the rebel group. M23/AFC says its rebellion is aimed at addressing corruption, discrimination and xenophobia in the DRC. Since launching a major offensive in eastern Congo in early 2025, the group has seized several strategic towns, raising fears of a broader regional conflict-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
