DRC: Fighting between FRN rebels and the army spreads across several South Kivu territories, with a new front opening in Kabare

Despite the ceasefire envisaged under the Doha peace process, fighting between the FARDC and FRN rebels is escalating across several territories in South Kivu. Clashes resumed around Nzibira and Lutunkulu in Walungu, disrupting the Kankinda market, while fighting was also reported in Cidasa and Kalambi in Mwenga. In the Minembwe area of Fizi, clashes spread to several villages following attacks attributed to the FARDC; shelling near Kakenge the previous day killed at least two people. A new front opened at Kasirusiru and Bugulumiza in Kabare, where the FRN is fighting the Wazalendo; observers say the group may be seeking a route through Kalonge and Shabunda toward Maniema Province.