The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) military and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group on Tuesday traded accusations of violating a ceasefire in the country’s east, each blaming the other for fresh attacks despite ongoing international mediation.

Despite a peace agreement signed by Congo and Rwanda in the presence of Donald Trump, fighting has intensified in eastern Congo. The M23 rebel group and Congolese forces accuse each other of ceasefire violations as residents flee violence.

The militias are also accused of targeting Uvira’s Banyamulenge population – Congolese Tutsis in South Kivu who are often perceived as supporting the Tutsi-commanded M23 – in acts of harassment and intimidation.

The security crisis in eastern DRC is escalating after two rebel groups, both fighting the government, joined forces.

Doha has pledged a record investment and a new M23 framework deal for one of Africa’s most intractable wars. But behind the red carpet, analysts warn of a high-risk geopolitical gamble.