M23 rebels push deeper into Congo despite ceasefire calls

The M23 rebels pressed deeper into Congolese territory a day after the presidents of Congo and Rwanda called for an immediate ceasefire, reaching the outskirts of Walikale late on Wednesday, residents told Reuters.

Gunfire erupted in the town’s Nyabangi neighborhood, according to resident Janvier Kabutwa.

An army source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the rebels launched a surprise attack that overran an army position, leading to clashes with soldiers and pro-government militias.

The town, which has a population of about 15,000, is located roughly 125 km (80 miles) northwest of Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s largest city.

Walikale’s strategic location and its mineral wealth, including tin deposits, make it a significant target in M23’s ongoing offensive.

The rebels’ westward movement has now pushed them within 400 km of Kisangani, Congo’s fourth-largest city.

M23’s rapid advance has already had economic consequences.

Last week, Alphamin Resources AFM.V suspended operations at its Bisie tin mine, located about 60 km northwest of Walikale, due to the growing insecurity.

Efforts to end the conflict have intensified as regional and international actors seek to prevent further escalation.

The war in eastern Congo has become the worst since the 1998-2003 conflict, which involved multiple neighboring countries.

On Tuesday, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi met his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame in Qatar for their first direct talks since M23 ramped up its offensive in January.

A joint statement issued after the meeting, also signed by Qatar, called for an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high.

The United Nations has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels by supplying weapons and sending troops.

Rwanda has denied the claims, insisting its forces are acting in self-defense against Congo’s military and a militia linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Attempts at negotiations between the Congolese government and M23 suffered a setback earlier this week.

Talks were expected to take place in Angola on Tuesday after Tshisekedi’s administration reversed its long-standing refusal to engage with the rebels.

However, M23 withdrew from the discussions on Monday, citing European Union sanctions against some of its leaders and Rwandan officials as the reason.