Kinshasa: Fresh violence broke out in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo just hours after a peace agreement was celebrated in Washington. The deal, hosted by US President Donald Trump, was signed between the governments of Congo and Rwanda and was presented as a major step toward ending years of conflict in the region.
However, reports from the ground say heavy fighting resumed between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group, which was not included in the Washington ceremony. Clashes were reported near Luvungi and other areas close to the borders with Rwanda and Burundi.
Residents described explosions, artillery fire and drone activity in the region. Many families were forced to flee with whatever belongings they could carry, while some sought safety in nearby forests or temporary shelters.
Both sides are blaming each other for the renewed hostilities. The Congolese military accused Rwanda of supporting bombings that affected civilian villages. M23 leaders claimed government forces launched air and ground attacks in populated areas and said they had retaken the town of Luberika and shot down a military drone.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that the violence is putting civilians at risk. United Nations officials said schools and homes have been damaged and that medical evacuation in some areas has become difficult. UNICEF reported that several children were killed or injured in incidents near schools during the latest fighting.
The international community has expressed concern that the renewed violence could undermine the peace deal, which was meant to reduce tensions and open the path to long-term stability in the mineral rich region.
Analysts say the agreement signed in Washington did not include key armed groups, making it fragile from the start. Both governments have promised to continue dialogue, but local communities remain uncertain and afraid.
For now, people in eastern Congo continue to wait for a real ceasefire as the humanitarian situation worsens and hopes for peace remain uncertain.