In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the M23 rebel group has retaken control of the town of Shoa in North Kivu province, just a day after it was briefly seized by the Congolese army and pro-government Wazalendo militia. The rebels launched a surprise offensive early on Sunday, forcing the Wazalendo to retreat, according to residents. The area experienced heavy fighting on Saturday but returned to calm by Sunday afternoon.

The town of Shoa is located in Masisi territory, a region rich in natural resources such as gold, cobalt, and tantalum. The area has been plagued by violence for over three months as rebels and government forces clash for control. Despite ongoing peace efforts, fighting has intensified in recent weeks. In July, the DRC and rebel groups, including M23, signed a ceasefire agreement in Doha, but the truce has failed to hold.

The Congolese government, the United Nations, and Western nations have accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, a claim that Kigali strongly denies. The renewed fighting has also involved other rebel groups, including the M23-allied Twigwaneho rebels, who clashed with the army-backed Wazalendo militia in several South Kivu villages last week.

Congolese army officials have condemned the rebel attacks as a “blatant violation” of both the Washington and Doha peace agreements, highlighting the fragile security situation in the region. The conflict has significant implications for the region’s stability and the humanitarian situation, with civilians often caught in the crossfire. As the situation continues to unfold, international attention is likely to remain focused on the DRC, with calls for a lasting peace agreement and an end to the violence. The ongoing clashes have raised concerns about the ability of the parties involved to commit to a peaceful resolution, and the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to address the underlying issues driving the conflict.