New clashes erupted on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, between the M23 rebel movement and Congolese government troops backed by coalition forced, heightening tensions once again in the troubled eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Heavy battles were reported across several parts of South Kivu, including Katogota-Luvungi, Kaziba-Haut Plateau, Tchivanga-Hombo, and Kasika-Mwenga prompting residents to flee in large numbers as fear and uncertainty spread through the communities.
M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa confirmed the fighting, while the group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, accused government troops of attacking heavily populated zones. He warned that the situation on the ground was deteriorating quickly and taking a serious toll on civilians.
This fresh wave of violence comes less than a month after a peace framework was signed in Doha, Qatar, on November 8, 2025, aimed at pushing both sides toward meaningful dialogue. However, with each side repeatedly accusing the other of violating ceasefire terms, trust in the agreement has already begun to fade.
The M23 continues to hold large areas of both North and South Kivu, including the key cities of Goma and Bukavu, as well as the crucial Goma and Kavumu airports.
Since regaining strength in 2022 under the command of Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, the rebels have been regularly accused by the Congolese government of receiving military backing from Rwanda, allegations rejected by both Kigali and the M23.
The rebel group insists that its operations are a response to corruption, discrimination, and xenophobia within the DRC’s political system.
