M23 rebels on Sunday recaptured the town of Shoa in North Kivu’s Masisi territory after clashes with pro-government forces, residents said.
Shoa briefly shifted on Saturday to the control of the Congolese army and allied Wazalendo militia before the rebels struck back. “We are now under the authority of the M23 rebels, who attacked early Sunday and forced out the Wazalendo,” resident Steven Bwema said. The area was calm by Sunday after heavy exchanges a day earlier.
Masisi has been a flashpoint for more than three months as rebels and pro-government fighters vie for ground in a zone rich in gold, cobalt and tantalum—minerals that have long financed armed groups.
Congo and a coalition including M23 signed a ceasefire framework in July in Doha, Qatar, known as the Declaration of Principles, but fighting has escalated despite ongoing political contacts.
Kinshasa, the United Nations and Western governments accuse neighboring Rwanda of backing M23, an allegation Kigali denies.
Last week, M23-allied Twigwaneho fighters battled Wazalendo militia supported by the army around Mi’enge, Rukezi and Minembwe. On Saturday, army spokesperson Gen. Sylvain Ekenge condemned attacks by M23/AFC on military positions in North and South Kivu as violations of the Washington peace understandings and the Doha Declaration of Principles.