Thousands of residents in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are facing escalating violence as government forces and rebel groups continue heavy fighting in remote areas of South Kivu province. The intensification of clashes is complicating international peace efforts, particularly those supported by the United States, and stretching local hospitals beyond capacity. 

The latest confrontations are centred in the rugged highlands around Minembwe in Fizi territory, far from major urban centres. The Congolese army has launched operations against the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 Mars (AFC/M23) rebel coalition and its ally known as Twirwaneho, according to Reuters.

International mediators, including US officials, have invested significant time in brokering peace agreements. However, the renewed violence is undermining these efforts. A ceasefire monitoring mechanism agreed under Qatari mediation is due to be activated, with a UN team expected to deploy to Uvira soon, but analysts warn that diplomatic engagement has so far failed to halt hostilities, Reuters noted.

Rebel claims of responsibility for a drone attack on Kisangani airport, hundreds of kilometres from the current front line, illustrate the widening scope of the conflict. AFC/M23 said the strike was in retaliation for government aerial operations in South Kivu.

Humanitarian conditions in Fizi are deteriorating. The general referral hospital, designed for about 25 patients, was treating over 115 wounded when visited by journalists. Many arrive with infected injuries because of delays in frontline care, medical staff say. The facility, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross, fears it will soon be unable to cope if the fighting continues at its current pace. 

The conflict has broader regional implications. The United Nations and Western governments have repeatedly accused neighbouring Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, a charge Kigali denies, raising concerns that external support for armed groups could further destabilise the region and threaten peace agreements. 

With key cities like Bukavu having fallen to rebel control in recent campaigns and strategic towns still contested, the renewed fighting shows unresolved tensions over land, local power and control of mineral‑rich territory.