Kinshasa: M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have advanced further into Congolese territory, disregarding an urgent ceasefire call from the presidents of Congo and Rwanda. Residents confirmed to Reuters that the rebels reached the outskirts of Walikale late on Wednesday.
Gunfire erupted near the town’s Nyabangi neighborhood, according to local resident Janvier Kabutwa. An army source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said government forces and pro-Kinshasa militias were engaged in intense battles with the rebels after M23 overran a military position in a surprise attack.
Walikale, a strategic town rich in tin and other minerals, marks the farthest west the M23 has advanced during its ongoing offensive. The town, home to about 15,000 people, lies roughly 125 km (80 miles) northwest of Goma—the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—which fell to the rebels in January. The latest incursion puts M23 forces within 400 km of Kisangani, the country’s fourth-largest city.
The rapid westward push has disrupted mining operations in the region. Last week, Alphamin Resources (AFM.V) was forced to suspend activities at its Bisie tin mine, situated around 60 km northwest of Walikale.
Growing Regional and International Concerns
The escalating conflict, the worst in eastern Congo since the 1998-2003 war that involved multiple neighboring countries, has intensified diplomatic efforts to broker peace.
On Tuesday, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi met with his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame in Qatar—their first face-to-face discussions since M23 escalated its offensive in January. The two leaders, along with Qatari officials, issued a joint statement calling for an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire.
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However, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. The United Nations has accused Rwanda of supporting the ethnic Tutsi-led rebels, alleging Kigali has provided weapons and deployed troops to aid M23. Rwanda, however, has denied these claims, insisting its military operations are defensive measures against Congolese forces and militias linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Failed Peace Talks in Angola
Efforts to initiate direct negotiations between Congo and M23 suffered a setback earlier this week. Talks were scheduled to take place in Angola on Tuesday after Kinshasa reversed its longstanding refusal to engage with the rebels.
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However, M23 withdrew from the discussions on Monday, citing European Union sanctions against some of its leaders and Rwandan officials as a key reason for their decision.
With no ceasefire in sight and the conflict intensifying, fears are mounting that the crisis could spiral further, drawing in regional and global powers.
