The M23 rebel group has recaptured the town of Shoa in North Kivu province, just one day after it briefly came under the control of the Congolese army and allied Wazalendo militia.

Residents report that the rebels launched a surprise offensive early Sunday, forcing the militia to retreat following heavy fighting that subsided by Sunday morning.

Located in the mineral-rich Masisi territory, known for its deposits of gold, cobalt, and tantalum, Shoa has been a focal point of conflict for over three months as rebels and government forces vie for dominance.

This development unfolds despite a ceasefire agreement signed in July in Doha, Qatar, between the DRC and a coalition of rebel groups, including M23, under the Declaration of Principles.

However, violence has escalated, with Congolese army spokesperson Gen. Sylvain Ekenge condemning the attacks as a “blatant violation” of both the Washington and Doha peace agreements, intended to stabilize eastern DRC.

Last week, M23-allied Twigwaneho rebels clashed with Wazalendo militia in South Kivu villages, including Mi’enge, Rukezi, and Minembwe. Kinshasa, the UN, and Western governments accuse neighboring Rwanda of supporting M23, a charge Kigali denies.

The ongoing conflict, rooted in decades of instability and intensified by M23’s advances since early 2025, continues to displace communities and challenge peace efforts.