Fighting between the Congolese army and the paramilitary AFC-M23 has resumed in eastern DRC, despite the ceasefire proposed last week by Angola’s President João Lourenço.

Both sides accuse the other of violations. Kinshasa says the rebels are looking to strengthen their position while continuing diplomatic talks.

Kifara Kapenda Kyk’y is mayor of the city of Uvira:

“The Congolese government is very respectful, since it is the one that really needs peace, while the rebels do not need peace; they need to conquer more and do nothing in the areas they occupy except loot for Rwanda.”

But M23 categorically rejects the accusations. They say that government forces are behind the hostilities, citing strikes and ground offensives targeting their positions and surrounding areas.

“Even our entry into Goma is because Kinshasa never wanted to respect the ceasefire,” M23 coordinator Corneille Nangaa told Africanews.

“The ceasefire is being violated because it is the strategy of the Kinshasa regime to continue the war. Don’t forget, war is a business for the Kinshasa regime. That’s where they steal, that’s where they embezzle.”

These irreconcilable versions are fueling a climate of mistrust and further weakening an already tense truce.