The AFC/M23 movement has vowed to respond to the renewed attacks by the Congolese government and its allied militias, including the Congolese-backed Rwandan genocidal militia FDLR, Mai Mai, Wazalendo groups, mercenaries, and Burundian armed forces.

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In a statement released on Tuesday, October 28, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, said the government coalition had "launched a comprehensive offensive across all front lines."

He said heavy artillery and combat drones "are being deliberately aimed at densely populated areas" in Kibati, Bibwe, Nyabiondo, Bukombo, and their surroundings.

"The Kinshasa regime has escalated its flagrant violations of the ceasefire, operating with impunity both along and beyond the front lines.”

The communique comes barely two weeks after both sides took what was seen as a significant step toward peace, signing a ceasefire monitoring mechanism during the sixth round of Qatar-mediated talks on October 14.

The mechanism aimed to ensure compliance with the ceasefire commitments earlier declared by both parties on July 19 in Doha.

However, according to the AFC/M23, violations have persisted before and after the agreement, with continued assaults on civilian populations and rebel positions in eastern DR Congo.

"While the international community urges dialogue, Kinshasa's kakistocratic regime has instead embraced a path of criminal barbarism and orchestrated massacres,” Kanyuka said.

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The rebels noted that Tuesday's attacks caused a surge in civilian casualties and mass displacement.

"As a result of this indiscriminate aggression, children and women are being killed, and the number of casualties and displaced persons is rising at an alarming rate,” Kanyuka said.

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"By sabotaging all international peace efforts, Kinshasa has made its intentions clear: it is waging a war against the Congolese people. Confronted with this murderous campaign, the AFC/M23 is left with no choice but to exercise its right to self-defence,” the group emphasized.

"We will employ all necessary means to protect civilian populations and to put the criminals out of action.”

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The renewed hostilities in eastern DR Congo threaten to derail ongoing peace efforts, including the Qatar-mediated dialogue and the Washington-facilitated peace process between Rwanda and DR Congo, which were expected to complement the internal peace discussions between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 movement to bring about peace in the country.