Eastern DRC: “The FARDC systematically thwart enemy coalition attacks to bravely defend our people” (Deputy Prime Minister for Defence)

Fighting between the FARDC and FRN rebels continues to intensify in eastern DRC despite calls to uphold the ceasefire under the Doha peace process. Five of South Kivu’s eight territories are affected, and clashes have also been reported on several fronts in North Kivu. At the November 6 cabinet meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister for Defence said the FARDC remained on alert and was repelling attacks by the enemy coalition, which Kinshasa says is backed by Rwanda. OCHA warned that the humanitarian crisis is worsening, with displacement, school closures, disruptions to aid operations and the spread of Ebola.