Fresh fighting erupts in North and South Kivu amid renewed peace efforts

Fresh fighting was reported on Thursday across several locations in North and South Kivu provinces, raising fresh concerns about efforts to secure a ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), allied Wazalendo militia fighters and the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) rebel movement were reported in Kilongo and Mahanga villages in Nyamaboko I Groupement, Masisi Territory, North Kivu, where FARDC troops and their Wazalendo allies reportedly launched an offensive to dislodge FRN fighters from their positions.

Fighting was also reported in Kibati, Walikale Territory, North Kivu, and in Nyamarhege, Lulaba and Chulwe localities in Nzibira Sector, as well as Kasika in Walungu Territory, South Kivu.

According to local sources, the clashes in South Kivu began between 7:00 am and 8:00 am on Thursday. Lawrence Kanyuka, the FRN spokesperson, confirmed the fighting in a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, accusing government forces and their Wazalendo allies of launching attacks using combat drones, fighter jets, heavy artillery and ground troops. 

Kanyuka accused the government in Kinshasa of continuing to pursue a military solution despite repeated calls for de-escalation. He also alleged that the authorities were fuelling hate speech and imposing war on civilian populations. 

He said FRN fighters remained deployed on the ground, pursuing what he described as operations to protect civilians, and maintained that they were conducting their activities with determination, discipline and professionalism. 

The latest clashes come amid continuing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in eastern DR Congo, where fighting between government forces and armed groups has repeatedly undermined regional and international peace initiatives. 

The renewed violence also comes following the return of James Swan, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), to Goma. 

The security situation had already deteriorated earlier in the week. Fighting reported on October 3 in Mahanga, Buhimba and Kazinga in Masisi Territory left four civilians dead from gunfire and explosive attacks, while another 10 people were injured, according to the account provided.

Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating commitments under the peace process. The Congolese government has consistently accused Rwanda of supporting the rebel movement, an allegation denied by both Kigali and the rebels.

The FRN, meanwhile, says its armed campaign is intended to address what it describes as corruption, discrimination and longstanding grievances within the Congolese government. 

Continued fighting in North and South Kivu has heightened insecurity and displaced thousands of civilians, complicating efforts by regional and international actors to secure a lasting ceasefire.