Fresh fighting erupts in North and South Kivu amid renewed peace efforts

What the report says

Fresh fighting was reported on Thursday in several parts of North and South Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, adding pressure to already fragile ceasefire efforts. According to The Observer, clashes involved the Congolese army, known as FARDC, its allied Wazalendo militia, and the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a rebel movement active in the region.

The report said fighting was seen in Masisi Territory, including Kilongo and Mahanga villages, where FARDC and Wazalendo fighters were said to have launched an offensive against FRN positions. Additional violence was reported in Kibati in Walikale Territory and in several localities in South Kivu, including Nzibira Sector and Kasika. Local sources said the South Kivu clashes began in the morning. FRN spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed the fighting and accused government forces of using drones, fighter jets, heavy artillery and ground troops, while also alleging continued military pressure despite calls to de-escalate.

The renewed violence comes as regional and international actors continue diplomatic efforts to reduce conflict in eastern DRC, where ceasefire attempts have repeatedly faltered. The article also noted the recent return of the UN’s special representative and MONUSCO chief, James Swan, to Goma. Earlier fighting in Masisi Territory on October 3 reportedly killed four civilians and injured 10 others. The broader conflict has displaced many people and remains tied to disputes over security, governance and accusations of outside support for armed groups.