M23 Counteroffensive Expands in South Kivu

The M23 rebel group launched a counteroffensive in Kalehe, Congo, reversing recent Army gains and intensifying fighting with FARDC and Wazalendo allies. The clashes are concentrated in Ziralo and have spilled into neighboring Masisi, with rebels recapturing several localities mid-August. President Félix Tshisekedi ruled out including the Rwanda-backed M23 in a national reconciliation dialogue, saying the December Washington peace agreement remains the appropriate framework. He stressed the national dialogue will not substitute for the Doha process and implied that the Doha talks should handle M23 issues while the internal dialogue focuses on a broader national pact. Some opposition figures have urged including M23 or former president Kabila, and Tshisekedi said a pathway to reintegration would exist for individuals renouncing violence. The dialogue is planned for up to three months, with the exclusion of M23 as a political component, and pro-Kigali combatants are steered toward the Doha framework.