Fresh Conflict Erupts in DR Congo Amid Peace Deal
Fighting broke out in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, just one day after a peace deal was signed in Washington DC. The fighting has forced hundreds to flee across the border into Rwanda, highlighting the fragile nature of the agreement.
The conflict in South Kivu province saw clashes between M23, an anti-government armed group backed by Rwanda, and the Congolese army, which is being reinforced by thousands of Burundian soldiers. Both sides were battling for control of Kamanyola, a border town where the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi meet.
Eyewitnesses reported that detonations shook buildings throughout the morning near the border post in Bugarama, just 2km away from Kamanyola on the Rwandan side. M23 accused the Burundian army of firing indiscriminately into the DRC, prompting a response from the Burundian military to reinforce their positions.
The situation is escalating, with the Burundian military warning that if M23 and their Rwandan backers reach the city of Uvira, just 30km from Bujumbura, they could not accept it. The threat has forced hundreds of civilians to flee across the border into Rwanda, where witnesses described hearing bombs explode above houses and children being taken refuge in locked homes.
The peace deal signed in Washington DC was hailed as a "miracle" by US President Donald Trump, but its failure to curb violence is raising questions about its effectiveness. The conflict in eastern DR Congo has been ongoing for 30 years, and the fragile nature of the agreement suggests that much work remains to be done to achieve lasting peace.
Fighting broke out in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, just one day after a peace deal was signed in Washington DC. The fighting has forced hundreds to flee across the border into Rwanda, highlighting the fragile nature of the agreement.
The conflict in South Kivu province saw clashes between M23, an anti-government armed group backed by Rwanda, and the Congolese army, which is being reinforced by thousands of Burundian soldiers. Both sides were battling for control of Kamanyola, a border town where the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi meet.
Eyewitnesses reported that detonations shook buildings throughout the morning near the border post in Bugarama, just 2km away from Kamanyola on the Rwandan side. M23 accused the Burundian army of firing indiscriminately into the DRC, prompting a response from the Burundian military to reinforce their positions.
The situation is escalating, with the Burundian military warning that if M23 and their Rwandan backers reach the city of Uvira, just 30km from Bujumbura, they could not accept it. The threat has forced hundreds of civilians to flee across the border into Rwanda, where witnesses described hearing bombs explode above houses and children being taken refuge in locked homes.
The peace deal signed in Washington DC was hailed as a "miracle" by US President Donald Trump, but its failure to curb violence is raising questions about its effectiveness. The conflict in eastern DR Congo has been ongoing for 30 years, and the fragile nature of the agreement suggests that much work remains to be done to achieve lasting peace.