Fresh fighting flares in eastern DR Congo

Congolese Community in South Africa wave their national flags, outside the Parliament Building in Cape Town on February 7, 2025, during a demonstration to air their grievances against the conflict in the East of Democratic Republic of Congo. [AFP]

Fighting erupted Tuesday in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after a two-day lull, with Rwanda-backed M23 fighters attacking Congolese army positions in South Kivu province at dawn, local and security sources told AFP.

The resurgence comes after east and southern African leaders called at a summit on Saturday for an "unconditional" ceasefire within five days, fearing the conflict, which has killed thousands and driven vast numbers from their homes, would spill over into neighbouring countries.