M23 Rebels Advance in DRC, Defying Ceasefire Calls

M23 Rebels Advance Further Into Eastern DRC, Defying Ceasefire Calls

Heavy Fighting Reported as M23 Rebels Push Deeper Into Walikale

M23 rebels, who are reportedly backed by Rwanda, have advanced further into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), just a day after the presidents of DRC and Rwanda jointly called for an immediate ceasefire. The armed group entered the outskirts of Walikale late Wednesday, local residents told Reuters.

Gunfire was heard in the Nyabangi neighborhood of the town, according to Walikale resident Janvier Kabutwa.

A military source, who requested anonymity, stated that the rebels launched a surprise attack on government forces and allied militias after crossing a military zone on the town’s outskirts.

Walikale, a region rich in mineral resources—including tin—marks the furthest incursion by M23 rebels in their recent offensive. The town, home to approximately 15,000 people, is located about 125 kilometers (80 miles) northwest of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC. M23 seized control of Goma in January, bringing them within 400 kilometers (250 miles) of Kisangani, the country’s fourth-largest city.

The rebel advance has disrupted mining operations, forcing Alphamin Resources to suspend activities at its Bisie tin mine, roughly 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Walikale, last week.

Diplomatic Efforts Intensify Amid Escalating Conflict

Regional and international actors are ramping up diplomatic efforts to contain what has rapidly become the most severe conflict in eastern DRC since the 1998-2003 war, which drew in multiple neighboring countries.

On Tuesday, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in Qatar for their first direct talks since M23 escalated its offensive in January. In a joint statement with Qatar, the leaders called for an "immediate and unconditional" cessation of hostilities.

The United Nations has accused Rwanda of supporting the predominantly Tutsi-led M23 rebels by supplying weapons and deploying troops. Rwanda has denied these allegations.

As international pressure mounts and fighting intensifies, all eyes remain on diplomatic negotiations to prevent further escalation in the region.