South Kivu : the Doha agreement already weakened by a sudden resumption of hostilities

SOS Médias Burundi

Bukavu, November 17, 2025 – Less than two days after the signing in Doha of a peace agreement intended to pave the way for de-escalation in eastern DRC, M23 rebels, affiliated with the Congo River Alliance (AFC), a politico-military movement hostile to Kinshasa, have launched offensives of unexpected intensity in the province of South Kivu. This brutal resurgence of violence calls into question the credibility of the peace process.

Joint FARDC-FDNB strikes in Mwenga

According to several local sources, Monday morning was marked by drone strikes conducted jointly by the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) and the Burundi National Defense Force (FDNB) against positions held by the Twirwaneho group, composed of members of the Banyamulenge community, a key ally of the M23 in South Kivu, in Rwisankuku, Mwenga territory.

These operations come as the FDNB significantly reinforces its presence in support of Kinshasa.

Shabunda : M23 seizes Maimingi 1 and 2, a major turning point

For the first time, M23 rebels have entered Shabunda territory, which had previously been spared their presence.

The villages of Maimingi 1 and Maimingi 2 fell under their control on Sunday, November 16, 2025, after intense fighting against the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo), the Wazalendo militia, and Burundian elements.

Residents report a “constant overflow” of loyalist positions.

Located 35 km from Nzibira, Maimingi 2 confirms a significant advance in this strategic territory, already marked by the M23’s capture of Nzibira on September 21, 2025, following fierce clashes with the FARDC and the Wazalendo militias.

A new front in a mineral-rich region

This breakthrough, which occurred just 24 hours after the signing of the Doha agreement, extends the front far beyond the traditional strongholds of North Kivu.

It opens access to a territory coveted for its gold, cassiterite, and coltan deposits, the control of which is crucial to the war economy of eastern Congo.

Troop movements despite the agreement

M23 rebels are leaving Rumangabo (North Kivu) to join Mwenga, Shabunda, and Walikale, raising fears of an escalation of the conflict. The Congolese government is simultaneously transporting military equipment—including drones—via the airport in Bujumbura, Burundi’s commercial capital, and reinforcing its positions at Point Zero, Mukera, Mulima, and Mikalati.

The FDNB massively redeployed

Following a reported defeat in North Kivu, the FDNB has redeployed more than 10,000 soldiers to the territories of Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga to support joint operations against the M23.

Persistent accusations against Rwanda

Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels. Kigali denies this, calling it a “lie.”

Yet, UN experts have repeatedly confirmed this support, which the Rwandan government dismisses as “nonsense.”

A peace already under tension

The striking gap between the Doha commitments and the immediate resumption of fighting highlights the fragility of the peace process. On the ground, forces are repositioning themselves, fronts are expanding, and civilians remain the primary victims of a conflict whose outcome seems more uncertain than ever.