Violent clashes broke out over the weekend between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), backed by Wazalendo fighters, and M23 rebels in South Kivu’s Mwenga territory. Local officials confirmed that the fighting, which spread through multiple villages including Kadjoka and Lubumba, led to significant displacement of civilians. The renewed escalation unfolded even as Congolese government representatives and M23 leaders continued peace negotiations in Doha under Qatari mediation.

Battles Across Mwenga And Kalehe

According to the administrator of Mwenga territory, heavy exchanges lasted for 48 hours in several villages of the Itombwe sector, where government and allied forces confronted M23 rebels. Additional clashes were reported further north in Katasomwa, within Kalehe territory. On Saturday, August 23, fighting spread to Kadjoka and Lubumba, a mountainous area near Uvira, on the strategic route to the city of Uvira some 80 kilometers away. Both sides blamed each other for the flare-up in hostilities, while civilians fled in large numbers from the affected areas.

Parallel Peace Talks In Doha

The resurgence of violence occurred as peace talks were ongoing in Doha between M23 representatives and Kinshasa authorities. The negotiations, hosted by Qatar, aim to end years of conflict in eastern Congo, where the M23 has expanded its foothold despite regional and international mediation efforts. The contrast between the battlefield escalation and the diplomatic process has raised fears of further instability in South Kivu, which has already endured cycles of displacement and humanitarian crises.