This resurgence of hostilities, reported by local residents in and around Goma — a city dominated by M23 rebels — poses the most significant risk yet to peace initiatives being pursued by Qatar from the Gulf Arab region as well as African countries, amidst growing concerns about possible regional warfare.

Goma local, Amboma Safari, shared his experience of how his family of four spent a terrifying night sheltering under their bed, as they endured the sound of gunfire and explosions throughout Friday night.

M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka blamed Congolese forces and their allies for the attacks.

Kanyuka said in a statement that Congo’s joint operations with local militias and southern African troops “directly threaten the stability and security of civilians” in the region.

The group said it has been compelled to “reconsider its position to prioritize the security” of the people in the area, suggesting the crisis could worsen.

Christian Kalamo, a civil society leader in the North Kivu province that includes Goma, said at least one body was seen on the streets on Saturday.

“It is difficult to know if it is the Wazalendo, the FARDC (Congolese forces) or the M23″ that carried out the attacks, Kalamo said. “Now, we don’t know what will happen, and we live with fear in our stomachs, thinking that the war will resume.”