The fragile ceasefire agreement in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is facing serious setbacks. Fighting broke out in Kikubo, Lubero Territory, between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the DRC, casting doubt on peace efforts.
In a communiqué dated November 30, 2024, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) rebel group rejected the Angola-mediated ceasefire.
The ceasefire, brokered by Angolan President João Lourenço under the African Union’s mandate, aimed to bring an end to the conflict.
The group accuses the Kinshasa government of violating the truce and has declared its intention to “defend ourselves and neutralize threats at their source to protect the civilian population.”
The fighting, which erupted in Kikubo, Lubero Territory, highlights the fragility of the ceasefire signed under the wider Concept of Operations (CONOPS) agreement between the DRC and Rwanda on November 25.
The situation in eastern Congo remains volatile, with rising tensions threatening the fragile peace process.