M23 Rebels Capture Walikale Amid Ceasefire Refusal

M23 Rebels Reject Ceasefire, Capture New Strategic Town in Eastern Congo

March 21, 2025 – The M23 rebel group has refused to honor a ceasefire agreement, escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and seizing control of the key mining town of Walikale. This development comes just two days after Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame jointly called for an end to hostilities during high-level talks in Qatar.

Gunfire echoed throughout the night near Walikale, particularly in the Nyabangi area, where intense clashes between M23 fighters and the Congolese army—supported by pro-government militias—have persisted. Walikale, located approximately 125 kilometers (about 80 miles) northwest of Goma, is known for its rich mineral resources and strategic location.

According to reports, M23 militants launched a surprise offensive, breaching government defense lines on the town's outskirts. Their advance from the west has had significant consequences: last week, Alphamin Resources, a mining company operating the Bisie tin mine roughly 60 kilometers northwest of Walikale, was forced to suspend operations due to the deteriorating security situation.

Walikale, home to an estimated 15,000 residents, now becomes the latest territory to fall into the hands of M23. The group's January capture of Goma, a major urban center in eastern DRC, has brought them to within 400 kilometers of Kisangani, the country’s fourth-largest city.

The refusal of M23 to cease hostilities raises serious concerns about the stability of the region and the effectiveness of international diplomatic efforts. The growing conflict continues to disrupt lives, displace civilians, and threaten the vast mineral wealth of eastern Congo.