Intense fighting has started in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. This happened just one week after a peace ceremony in Washington. A rebel group called M23 is advancing towards the town of Uvira. Many reports say Rwanda is helping the M23 group.
This fighting has caused a big problem for people. About 200,000 civilians have left their homes. Many people have also died. This is very different from the hopeful news after the peace ceremony.
Peace efforts in the region are often difficult. A ceremony on December 4th was meant to help stop fighting. However, the new violence shows that these plans are not working. The M23 group is fighting with the Congolese army and local fighters.
Fighting is happening in villages north of Uvira. Uvira is an important town near Burundi. The M23 leaders say they are fighting to protect themselves. They also say that talking is the only way to solve the problem.
The fighting has been very bad for people. The United Nations says at least 74 people have died. Most of them were civilians. Another 83 people are in the hospital with serious injuries. Many people have arrived in Uvira and need help. Local resources are not enough.
Experts think this fighting makes recent peace talks seem less important. They also think that other countries, like Rwanda, are a big problem for peace. It looks like the fighting will continue. International calls for peace are being made. However, the reality is that armed groups are still making their own decisions.