Clashes between the Congolese army and AFC-M23 rebels have resumed in eastern DRC, despite the entry into force of the truce proposed by Angolan mediation on February 18.
In a statement released Friday, the FARDC denounced systematic attacks by the AFC/M23 coalition, supported by Rwandan forces, in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu. New fighting was also reported on Sunday, February 22.
The Congolese government is committed to peace because it is the one that truly needs it. The rebels, however, are not seeking peace; they want to expand their control. In the areas they occupy, they do nothing but loot for the benefit of Rwanda, reports Kifara Kapenda Kyk'y, mayor of Uvira.
Beyond the military clashes, the FARDC also denounces abuses committed against civilians in South Kivu. In several localities, less than 24 hours after the ceasefire was scheduled to take effect, the army asserts that these violations are jeopardizing the diplomatic efforts undertaken by Angolan President João Lourenço.
The rebels, who have recently lost some positions in the past week, reject these accusations: our entry into Goma is the consequence of Kinshasa's refusal to respect the ceasefire, retorts Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of the AFC-M23.
These acts of violence have displaced thousands of people in recent weeks. In Uvira, in a makeshift camp where many families have sought refuge, living conditions remain precarious, with limited access to humanitarian aid. According to civil society in Fizi and humanitarian sources, more than 200,000 civilians have fled the area since the beginning of February.
New fighting was also reported on Sunday, February 22, in the Minembwe Highlands of South Kivu province. According to civil society, the clashes pitted the Wazalendo, allied with the Congolese army, against the Twirwaneho militia, considered close to the AFC-M23 and supported by Rwanda.
Despite these attacks, which the FARDC describe as "maneuvers aimed at sabotaging the peace process", the army claims to maintain a defensive posture.
