In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, tensions between government forces and the M23 rebel group have escalated as both parties accused each other of breaking a fragile ceasefire. The Armed Forces of the DRC, known as FARDC, reported attacks on their positions in several areas, including Kaziba, Katogota, and Lubarika, just two days before a peace agreement was to be signed in Washington. Major General Sylvain Ekenge, spokesperson for the army, suggested that these attacks indicated a deliberate attempt by M23 to undermine the ongoing peace efforts supported by international powers. In response, Corneille Nangaa, the leader of a coalition that comprises the M23, countered these claims by accusing the Congolese and Burundian troops of engaging in offensive operations. He insisted that M23 was compelled to defend itself and protect civilians against what he characterized as the aggressors’ violations of the ceasefire. This back-and-forth exchange reveals the fragility of the ceasefire agreement, which both sides had previously committed to maintaining under a framework signed in November. The accusations made shortly before the scheduled peace agreement highlight the volatility of the situation, especially considering the history of failed ceasefire attempts in the region. Notably, a previous agreement reached between the Congolese officials and the Congo River Alliance had also been expected to result in a definitive peace deal, but those talks failed to bear fruit, leaving both sides with unresolved grievances. Further complicating the matter, the DRC government has long alleged that Rwanda is backing the M23 rebels, providing military support and benefiting from illegal mining operations within the DR Congo. These allegations, strongly denied by Kigali, add another layer of complexity to the tensions. The international community, including the United States, has become increasingly involved in these peace efforts. Just days prior, a White House spokesperson announced that both Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame were slated to sign a historic peace agreement, aiming to address ongoing conflicts in the region. However, with violent hostilities flaring between DRC troops and M23 forces, the efficacy of such diplomatic agreements is put into question, raising concerns about the potential for renewed conflict and further humanitarian crises in eastern Congo.