Fighting in eastern DR Congo as army, M23 trade ceasefire violation claims

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels on Tuesday traded accusations of violating a ceasefire in the country's east, each blaming the other for fresh attacks despite ongoing international mediation.

In a statement, Sylvain Ekenge, spokesperson for the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC), condemned a series of M23 assaults on military positions in South Kivu Province, where several localities, including the provincial capital, Bukavu, have fallen under rebel control.

The M23 rebels, in return, accused Kinshasa of "launching widespread attacks on densely populated areas as well as across all frontlines" in South Kivu. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka alleged that FARDC forces struck the densely populated town of Kamanyola, a strategic crossroads now held by the rebels, killing at least three civilians and injuring five others.

According to United Nations sources, heavy clashes erupted early Tuesday on multiple fronts in South Kivu, heightening fears for civilians caught between the warring parties.