Despite hopes for a lull in the fighting brought about by Angolan mediation, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is once again engulfed in flames. The truce, which was supposed to have come into effect on February 18 , is now effectively broken by a violent resumption of hostilities between the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the AFC/M23 rebel coalition.

Multiple fronts in North and South Kivu

The calm was short-lived. As early as Sunday, February 22nd , intense clashes were reported on the Minembwe Highlands (South Kivu). The fighting pits the Twirwaneho militia, allies of the M23, against the Wazalendo , who support the regular army.

In an official statement, the FARDC pointed to a deliberate strategy of sabotage:

1. Accusations of looting: The mayor of Uvira, Kifara Kapenda Kyk'y, denounces rebels solely concerned with extending their territorial control and looting resources for the benefit of Rwanda.
2. Civil abuses: Human rights violations were reported in several localities less than 24 hours after the theoretical start of the truce.
3. Military posture: Kinshasa claims that its troops are maintaining a "defensive posture" in the face of provocations.

Communications war

The opposing side rejects responsibility for this escalation. Corneille Nangaa , coordinator of the AFC-M23, justifies the military pressure on Goma by Kinshasa's alleged refusal to honor its commitments. This rhetoric directly threatens the diplomatic efforts led by Angolan President João Lourenço .

An alarming humanitarian situation

The price of this renewed fighting is, as always, paid by the civilian population. The figures are staggering:

Key Number	Impact
+ 200,000	Number of civilians who have fled the area since the beginning of February.
Uvira	Epicenter of the crisis, where displaced people are crammed together in precarious conditions.
Limited assistance	Humanitarian access remains severely hampered by persistent insecurity.