Reports from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC0 have indicated that violent clashes have resumed since Sunday, April 19, in the territory of Masisi, North Kivu, between the AFC-M23 and the Wazalendo fighters, partners of the Armed Forces of the DRC.
According to local sources who spoke to UN sponsored Radio Okapi, the fighting continued intensely on Monday morning, April 20, in the village of Mitimingi, located in the Ufamandu 2 group.
This resumption of hostilities comes after a little over four days of calm in this area already weakened by insecurity.
Local civil society sources have also said that Wazalendo fighters launched an attack around 4 a.m. against AFC-M23 positions, while the rebels were already advancing towards the town of Mitimingi.
This offensive was a response to an attack carried out on Sunday by the AFC-M23 against a position of the Wazalendo of the PARECO group, Strike Forces in the neighbouring village of Kashuka, also located in the Ufamandu 2 group.
Throughout Monday morning, detonations of heavy and light weapons were heard in several surrounding localities, according to civil society.
Several armed groups involved were also reported to be involved.
Two PARECO factions, allied with the Mai-Mai Lamuka of Noah Maachano, are said to be participating in the fighting against the AFC-M23 rebels.
Civil society laments the resumption of clashes further aggravates the already worrying humanitarian crisis in this part of the Masisi territory. Seven villages in Masisi emptied of their inhabitants in three weeks amid M23-Wazalendo fighting
Escalation of fighting between the AFC/M23 and the Wazalendo in Masisi, Walikale and Kalehe
AFC/M23 rebels are accused of setting fire onto more than 100 homes in Lukweti, Masisi, sources claim.
Representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo government and the AFC/M23 rebel coalition are holding peace talks in Switzerland in April 2026, with the latest round taking place near Montreux.
The discussions focus on reducing violence in eastern Congo, including agreements on prisoner exchanges, improved humanitarian access, and the creation of a joint mechanism to monitor ceasefire violations, supported by international partners.
These talks are part of broader diplomatic efforts involving actors like Qatar and the United States, and were relocated to Switzerland due to regional tensions elsewhere. However, despite these steps, fighting continues on the ground, meaning the agreements are still early confidence-building measures rather than a full and lasting peace settlement.
