Sat Jan 03 15:37:00 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article, adhering to the provided constraints:

Summary:

On January 3, 2026, violent clashes erupted between the M23 rebel group (backed by Rwanda) and pro-government forces around Uvira, a strategic city in eastern DR Congo. The fighting occurred in several localities near the city. The M23 had seized Uvira in December before announcing a withdrawal under US pressure. Simultaneously, violence escalated in neighboring North Kivu, with reported bombings resulting in casualties and drawing criticism towards the Congolese army.

News Article:

Eastern DR Congo Engulfed in Renewed Fighting Despite Peace Accord

Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo – January 3, 2026 – Heavy fighting has broken out again in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), threatening a fragile peace process. Clashes erupted early Saturday between the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group and forces loyal to the Kinshasa government in several towns surrounding Uvira, a strategically important city in South Kivu province.

Local sources report that the fighting is centered in localities approximately 10 kilometers from Uvira, including Kashombe, Lubanda, Musingwe, Katongo, and Kigongo. The sound of gunfire could be heard within the city itself.

“Since 3 am (0100 GMT), violent clashes between M23 rebels and Wazalendo (pro-Kinshasa militias) and the armed forces of the Republic have been reported,” said Kelvin Bwija, Uvira civil society coordinator.

The M23 previously seized Uvira in December but announced a withdrawal on December 17th under pressure from the United States, who were also brokering peace talks. This announcement came shortly after the DRC and Rwanda signed a peace accord in Washington, D.C., mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Adding to the instability, intense fighting has also been reported in the neighboring province of North Kivu. Local sources report a bombing in Masisi territory, attributed to the Congolese army (FARDC), has resulted in at least six deaths and 41 injuries. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported treating dozens of civilians, including women and children, for shrapnel wounds and other injuries sustained in an airstrike on a residential area. MSF reported that 2 people later died from their injuries.

The renewed violence highlights the ongoing challenges to establishing lasting peace in the resource-rich eastern DRC, which has been plagued by conflict for decades. The resurgence of the M23 in recent years has further destabilized the region, leading to increased humanitarian concerns and a complex geopolitical situation.

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