Fresh Fighting Reported in Eastern DR Congo as M23 Accuses FARDC of New Offensive

Fresh clashes have erupted in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) accusing the Congolese army and allied Wazalendo militias of launching attacks in Masisi and Kalehe territories.

The fighting, which began on Sunday, July 12, 2026, has been reported in Kaseke locality, particularly around Kasake near Ngungu in Masisi Territory, North Kivu Province, as well as in Lumbishi locality in Kalehe Territory, South Kivu Province.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka alleged that the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and allied forces attacked Malemo and surrounding areas, as well as the trading centre of Miandja in Masisi Territory.

Kanyuka further claimed that FARDC and Wazalendo fighters launched additional attacks on Gasenyi, Ruki and Gatovu in Masisi Territory during the early hours of Tuesday.

He alleged that the clashes in populated areas had resulted in civilian deaths, destruction of property and displacement of residents.

The M23/AFC spokesperson also accused FARDC and its allies of deploying additional troops and military equipment in preparation for a wider offensive in North and South Kivu provinces, warning that such operations could put civilians at greater risk.FARDC and its allied groups had not issued a response to the allegations by press time.The security situation in eastern DR Congo remains fragile, with recent fighting allowing M23/AFC fighters and their Twirwaneho allies to capture additional positions in South Kivu, including the strategic Point-Zero area.

Meanwhile, M23/AFC fighters have reportedly withdrawn from several localities in the Ikobo Grouping, including Buleusa, Kateku, Bukumbirwa and Rusamambu in Wanianga Sector, Walikale Territory, North Kivu Province. The group has not provided reasons for the withdrawal.

The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebellion, allegations denied by both the Rwandan government and M23/AFC.

M23/AFC says its armed campaign is aimed at addressing corruption, insecurity, discrimination and what it describes as mistreatment of some communities in DR Congo. In early 2025, the group launched a major offensive in eastern DR Congo, capturing several strategic towns and raising concerns over a wider regional conflict