The M23 rebel group intensified its offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on Monday, pushing closer to the territorial capital of Walikale, according to local media reports.
This renewed advance comes just ahead of scheduled peace talks between the Congolese government and the rebel group in Angola.
Congolese news website Actualite reported that the fighting near Walikale highlights the volatile situation in North Kivu, where the M23 has been rapidly seizing key territories since its resurgence in December. The group, which has already captured major cities including Goma and Bukavu, further expanded its territorial control when it seized Nyabiondo in March, following days of intense clashes with government forces and the pro-government militia Wazalendo.
The escalation in combat comes on the heels of Angolan President Joao Lourenco’s call for a ceasefire, a move aimed at de-escalating tensions ahead of the peace talks scheduled for Tuesday in Luanda. As the African Union’s appointed mediator for the conflict, Lourenco has been actively working to create conditions conducive to dialogue between the DRC government and the M23 rebels.
The conflict, marked by its impact on civilian populations, has already forced thousands of residents to flee their homes, with the United Nations warning of significant humanitarian challenges in the region. Meanwhile, accusations persist that neighboring Rwanda is providing support to the M23 rebels—a claim that Rwanda continues to deny.
As the peace talks approach, regional and international observers remain cautiously hopeful that diplomatic efforts can help curb the violence in this mineral-rich and strategically critical part of the DRC. However, the continued military advances by the M23 raise serious concerns about the prospects for a sustainable ceasefire and a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Thomas Lubanga, a convicted war criminal, has announced the formation of the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CPR) in eastern Congo's Ituri province, posing a new security threat as Congo's army faces advances by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.
A fragile ceasefire between Congolese forces and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in the strategic eastern town of Walikale appeared to collapse on Monday, with the rebels retracting their pledge to withdraw and accusing the Congolese army of violating its own commitments.
The International Criminal Court is appealing for armed groups in eastern Congo to abide by international law. It's after fighting has spread in the mineral-rich region as the M23 rebels continue to capture key cities, intensifying the conflict and humanitarian crisis.
Rwanda and its M23 auxiliaries executed more than 10 people in Goma, DRC, as the group’s violent actions escalate. The M23 rebels, controlling Goma since January, have instilled fear with crimes while the UN condemns Rwanda’s alleged support for the group.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with senior Vatican officials on Saturday for talks that the Vatican described as "cordial," following ongoing criticisms of the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding immigration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Easter, set to last from 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday until midnight (2100 GMT) following Easter Sunday.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday his plan to reclassify approximately 50,000 federal workers under a new category, "Schedule Policy/Career," which would make it easier to fire civil servants who do not align with his administration's policy agenda.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued an order early Saturday blocking the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members from Texas under the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law from 1798.
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s reluctance to support military action, Israel has not ruled out launching a limited strike on Iran's nuclear facilities in the coming months, according to Israeli and other sources familiar with the matter.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a phone conversation on Saturday to discuss ongoing efforts to end the Israeli war on Gaza, which has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.
Elon Musk announced on Saturday that he plans to visit India later this year, following a discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about potential collaboration in technology and innovation.
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said of Oman is scheduled to visit Moscow on Monday, just days after the commencement of a new round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks mediated by Muscat.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with senior Vatican officials on Saturday for talks that the Vatican described as "cordial," following ongoing criticisms of the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding immigration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Easter, set to last from 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday until midnight (2100 GMT) following Easter Sunday.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with senior Vatican officials on Saturday for talks that the Vatican described as "cordial," following ongoing criticisms of the Trump administration’s policies, particularly regarding immigration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for Easter, set to last from 6 p.m. Moscow time (1500 GMT) on Saturday until midnight (2100 GMT) following Easter Sunday.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday his plan to reclassify approximately 50,000 federal workers under a new category, "Schedule Policy/Career," which would make it easier to fire civil servants who do not align with his administration's policy agenda.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued an order early Saturday blocking the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members from Texas under the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law from 1798.
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s reluctance to support military action, Israel has not ruled out launching a limited strike on Iran's nuclear facilities in the coming months, according to Israeli and other sources familiar with the matter.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment