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.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels issued identical statements on Wednesday pledging to pursue peace after more than a week of talks in Qatar, where violence and mutual distrust dominated the agenda.
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.
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