Sat Jan 03 15:37:00 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

On January 3, 2026, violent clashes erupted in several towns near Uvira, eastern DR Congo, between the M23 rebel group (backed by Rwanda) and pro-government forces. The fighting occurred despite a recent peace accord brokered by the US and a declared M23 withdrawal from Uvira. Simultaneously, intense fighting in neighboring North Kivu province resulted in civilian casualties from a bombing attributed to the Congolese army, according to local sources. Doctors Without Borders reported treating dozens of wounded, including many children and women.

News Article:

Renewed Fighting Erupts in Eastern DR Congo Despite Peace Accord

Bukavu, DR Congo – January 3, 2026 – Violent clashes between the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group and pro-Kinshasa forces erupted around the strategic city of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The renewed fighting threatens to destabilize the region further, despite a recent peace accord signed in Washington and mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Local sources report that fighting broke out in several localities within the Uvira territory, including Kashombe, Lubanda, Musingwe, Katongo, and Kigongo, approximately 10 kilometers from Uvira. Uvira civil society coordinator Kelvin Bwija confirmed the clashes, stating that gunfire could be heard in Uvira. Lieutenant Reagan Mbuyi Kalonji, a regional spokesman for the Congolese army (FARDC), also confirmed the fighting in Kigongo and Katongo.

The M23 had previously announced a withdrawal from Uvira on December 17 under U.S. pressure, requesting mediators to ensure the city’s protection. However, Saturday’s fighting casts doubt on the effectiveness of the announced withdrawal.

Meanwhile, in neighboring North Kivu province, intense fighting has also been reported since Friday. A bombing, attributed to the Congolese army according to local sources, in Masisi territory resulted in at least six deaths and 41 injuries. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported treating 42 people, including many children and women, for shrapnel wounds and other injuries sustained in the bombing. MSF reported that two of the wounded had since died.

The resource-rich eastern DRC has been plagued by violence for three decades, with the resurgence of the M23 since 2021 exacerbating the situation. The latest clashes highlight the fragility of the peace process and the continuing human cost of the conflict.

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