Fighting Resumes Between M23 and FARDC Despite Ceasefire Agreement

BUKAVU, DRC – Fighting has resumed between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in South Kivu, just days after regional leaders brokered a ceasefire agreement in Dar es Salaam.

Despite calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, fresh clashes erupted in Ihusi and Kalehe town, with both sides accusing each other of violating the truce.

M23 fighters reportedly captured Ihusi on Wednesday, further advancing toward Bukavu, while FARDC has launched counterattacks to regain control of key positions.

The situation raises serious concerns over the viability of the ceasefire, as the conflict continues to escalate rather than de-escalate.

M23 Accuses FARDC of Military Reinforcements, Warns of Full-Scale War The M23-led Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has accused FARDC and Burundian forces of using the ceasefire as a cover to strengthen their military positions, warning that continued provocations would trigger full-scale hostilities.

“The AFC/M23 is concerned about the ongoing military reinforcement of the FARDC and their allies of the Burundi National Defence Forces (FDNB). If nothing is done, this escalation risks leading to a resumption of hostilities on all fronts,” the group said in a statement.

M23 claimed that FARDC and Burundian troops were preparing to launch attacks on Kalehe, Nyabibwe, and surrounding areas, warning that they would respond decisively if attacked. “The stubbornness of the Kinshasa regime to favor a military approach only prolongs the crisis. We expect Burundi and SADC to contribute to peace by ensuring the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of their forces from the DRC,” M23 added.

FARDC Responds: “We Will Defend Our Territory” In response, the Congolese army accused M23 and Rwanda of outright ceasefire violations, vowing to defend national sovereignty against aggression.

In a statement issued on February 12, 2025, the Commander of the Third Defence Zone, Lieutenant-General Masunzu Pacific, denounced the continued attacks by M23 and Rwandan forces, calling them a direct violation of the Luanda and Dar es Salaam agreements.

“The Rwandan army and its M23/AFC alternates continue to attack FARDC positions in violation of the peace agreements,” the statement read.

“For the umpteenth time, they have just attacked FARDC positions in Ihusi and Kalehe in South Kivu, as well as in Ndoluma and Lubango in Lubero, North Kivu. These attacks have resulted in several civilian casualties.”

FARDC warned that it would not tolerate further aggression, urging the local population to support the army by reporting any enemy movements.

“The warlike attitude of the Rwandan army and its puppets of the M23 will not be tolerated. Our positions will be energetically defended against any attack from wherever it may come,” the statement added. The EAC-SADC ceasefire agreement, signed last week in Dar es Salaam, was meant to end hostilities and pave the way for political dialogue. However, the rapid escalation of fighting suggests that neither side is fully committed to halting the war.

While M23 insists that it is responding to FARDC provocations, the Congolese government maintains that the rebels are continuing their territorial expansion despite peace efforts.

The latest developments also raise questions about the role of SADC peacekeepers, particularly South Africa, which has reinforced its deployment with 700 additional troops and heavy military equipment.

Will Bukavu Be the Next Target? With M23 tightening its grip on South Kivu, fears are growing that Bukavu could be the next flashpoint. The rebel group has repeatedly denied plans to capture Bukavu, but their continued battlefield gains suggest otherwise.

The resumption of fighting undermines peace efforts and sets the stage for a prolonged conflict in which thousands have perished, as FARDC, SADC forces, and Burundian troops appear to be preparing for a major showdown.