The Congolese army and the M23 rebel movement are reportedly strengthening their military positions as tensions rise, even while their representatives engage in peace talks in Doha.
According to security sources, there has been a marked increase in troop movements, weapons deliveries, and defensive fortifications across North and South Kivu, signalling preparations for another round of fighting.
The Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) have launched multiple air operations using Sukhoi Su-25 jets and drones operated by private contractors.
According to military officials, these airstrikes targeted rebel-held areas in Masisi, Bibwe, and the Walikale mining zone shortly after the collapse of a ceasefire verification mechanism agreed on 14 October.
The following morning, M23 positions in Mpete reportedly came under heavy bombardment, forcing the rebels to withdraw.
Sources on the ground confirm that both sides have since reinforced their frontlines and are bracing for renewed clashes.
Regional observers say the fighting has extended to strategic economic sites, including the Twangiza gold production facility in South Kivu, a crucial logistical hub and fuel source for M23 operations.
According to intelligence reports, Kinshasa fears the rebels may be planning to push further south toward Maniema or attempt to seize Uvira, a border town vital to Burundi’s economy and regional trade.
Burundi uses the town to deploy troops in the coalition forces with Congo against M23.
Meanwhile, sources say the FARDC and the M23 have been reinforcing their presence in Kisangani, Walikale, and Pinga, heightening fears of a broader conflict.
While the situation escalates on the battlefield, AFC has resumed peace negotiations with the Congolese government in Qatar.
According to diplomatic sources, on 22 October M23 executive secretary Benjamin Mbonimpa and senior negotiator René Abandi arrived in Doha for talks with a Kinshasa delegation led by Sumbu Sita Mambu, representing President Félix Tshisekedi.
However, officials close to the talks say deep mistrust continues to stall progress. The M23 insists that any prisoner exchanges be handled by the International Committee of the Red Cross, while Kinshasa refuses to release suspects accused of serious crimes, frustrating mediators.
The Qatari-led mediation has apparently achieved little. Both parties appear to be using the talks as cover to regroup and rearm. Congolese authorities are said to be seeking additional international backing from Donald Trump’s administration; revisiting a June accord signed under US sponsorship. Meanwhile, the M23 is reportedly recruiting new fighters and redeploying units trained in Tshanzu and Rumanagabo, possibly toward the Lake Tanganyika corridor.
Sources in Doha say Mbonimpa and Abandi are joined by Colonel Dieudonné Pardini, a former Congolese commander now advising the rebels. Yet diplomatic insiders describe the Doha process as largely symbolic.
According to one mediator, both sides are buying time rather than building peace.
“The table in Qatar,” the source said, “is only maintaining the illusion of dialogue while preparations for war continue.”