The clashes erupted a day after Congo and Rwanda reaffirmed commitments to a U.S.-brokered agreement meant to stabilise the east and unlock new mining investment. Analysts say diplomacy paused escalation but failed to resolve core political and military disputes that fuel the conflict.

Heavy Clashes Despite Peace Signing

Fresh fighting broke out on Friday across North Kivu and South Kivu, with M23 claiming that 23 people were killed in bombardments by Congolese forces.

Government spokespeople countered that Rwandan forces carried out strikes and that clashes continued along the Kaziba–Katogota–Rurambo axis. Videos from Luvungi showed families fleeing with livestock as shelling intensified.

Rebels Say Deal Does Not Bind Them

M23, which earlier this year seized Goma and Bukavu, said it is not bound by the Washington agreement and accused Congo and its allies of “relentless attacks” using jets, drones and heavy artillery.

A senior commander claimed the group had retaken Luberika and shot down a Congolese drone. “The war continues on the ground and has no connection with the signing,” an official said.

Civilian Toll Mounts

Reports described “numerous homes destroyed” and women and children killed, with renewed displacement pushing more than 700 people into Rwanda, according to local officials.

UNICEF said at least seven children died when strikes hit three schools in early December, warning that 2025 has seen conflict levels “not witnessed in years.” Roadblocks and shelling prevented medical evacuations.

Regional Forces Blamed For Escalation

Congo accused the Rwandan Defence Force of “bombing blindly,” while M23 alleged that Burundi coordinated airstrikes using drones and artillery. Neither Kigali nor Bujumbura commented.

The continued fighting highlights unresolved cross-border tensions, with both sides accusing the other of violating ceasefire commitments made in June 2025.

Diplomatic Pressure Meets Battlefield Reality

At the Washington ceremony, leaders reiterated support for stability and expanded Western mineral investment, with the U.S. president declaring, “We’re settling a war that’s been going on for decades.”

But analysts warned that neither side has met its earlier pledges, leaving the agreement vulnerable to immediate disruption.