Surprise M23 Offensive Forces Retreat of Congolese Forces and Wazalendo in Mineral-Rich Region

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the M23 rebel group has recaptured the town of Shoa in North Kivu province, just a day after it briefly fell under control of the Congolese army and pro-government Wazalendo militia, according to reports.

Residents stated that the rebels launched a surprise offensive early Sunday, forcing the Wazalendo to retreat from the gold, cobalt, and tantalum-rich region.

Meanwhile, the Congolese government, the United Nations, and Western nations have accused Rwanda of backing Mtwenty-three, a claim Kigali strongly denies. However, Congolese army officials have slammed the rebel attacks as a blatant violation of both the Washington and Doha peace agreements, underscoring the fragile state of security in the region.