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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M23 rebels threaten to suspend ceasefire efforts if Kinshasa fails to release prisoners by Sunday, accusing the Congolese government of blocking peace.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels have agreed on a declaration of principles in Qatar on Saturday. The ceasefire aims to halt fighting and pave the way for broader peace talks, though major challenges remain.
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