Fighting Erupt in South Kivu Hours Before Kagame-Tshisekedi Peace Deal

KATOGOTA / KAMANYOLA, South Kivu — December 3, 2025. Less than 24 hours before the scheduled ratification of the Washington Peace Agreement, according to a report by Radio Okapi, heavy fighting continues between the FARDC and Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebels along the Uvira–Bukavu corridor.

Situation on the ground

According to field reports, Congolese forces and community defense units (Wazalendo) have regained control of several positions around Katogota, though clashes persist in Kamanyola, where rebel forces maintain a presence near the Rwandan border. The area remains partially occupied, with the RN5 highway effectively cut off.

Humanitarian toll

Thousands of residents have fled toward Bugarama (Rwanda), but border closures initially prevented crossings. Rwanda later reopened its gates, allowing waves of displaced families to enter. Eyewitnesses report burned homes, destroyed schools and churches, and widespread panic across the Ruzizi Plain.

Timing sparks outrage

The attacks, occurring on the eve of the peace accord’s ratification in Washington, D.C., raise serious doubts about Rwanda’s commitment to peace. While President Félix Tshisekedi prepares to formalize the agreement under U.S. mediation, Kigali’s proxies appear to be testing Kinshasa’s patience and international credibility.

FARDC statement

Army spokespersons confirm the rebel assault began at 3:00 a.m., with government forces launching a counteroffensive shortly after. FARDC says “strategic areas” in South Kivu have been retaken, though independent verification remains pending.

Diplomatic stakes

Observers warn the renewed violence could overshadow Thursday’s ceremony in Washington, undermining the very process meant to end Rwanda’s aggression. Kinshasa insists on the full withdrawal of foreign troops as a precondition for lasting peace.