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.
Thailand says it carried out air and ground operations along the Cambodian border as hostilities escalated, breaking the U.S. brokered ceasefire that ...
Ukraine will hand the United States a revised 20 point peace plan on Tuesday, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders work to steer ...
The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) executive board approved Pakistan’s latest loan review on Monday, unlocking a critical $1.2 billion in finan...
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would allow Nvidia to ship its H200 chips to approved customers in China and other countries, ...
Lando Norris, fresh off securing his first Formula 1 world championship, has confirmed he will proudly race with the No. 1 on his McLaren in the 2026 ...
U.S. President Donald Trump brought together the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda in Washington on Thursday to sign a peace deal, despite ongoing fighting in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group signed a framework agreement on Saturday (15 November) for a peace deal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands this year.
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.
A coup attempt by a “small group of soldiers” has been foiled in Benin after hours of gunfire struck parts of the economic capital Cotonou, officials said on Sunday.
A delayed local vote in the rural Honduran town of San Antonio de Flores has become a pivotal moment in the country’s tightest presidential contest, with both campaigns watching its results as counting stretches into a second week.
Authorities in Japan lifted all tsunami warnings on Tuesday following a strong 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck off the northeastern coast late on Monday, injuring at least 30 people and forcing around 90,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
Lava fountains shot from Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano from dawn to dusk on Saturday, with new footage showing intensifying activity at the north vent.
McLaren’s Lando Norris became Formula One world champion for the first time in Abu Dhabi, edging Max Verstappen to the title by just two points after a tense season finale.
Thailand says it carried out air and ground operations along the Cambodian border as hostilities escalated, breaking the U.S. brokered ceasefire that halted five days of clashes in July.
Ukraine will hand the United States a revised 20 point peace plan on Tuesday, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders work to steer Washington’s ceasefire framework away from concessions they fear could lock in Russian territorial gains.
The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) executive board approved Pakistan’s latest loan review on Monday, unlocking a critical $1.2 billion in financial support, ensuring that the country’s ongoing IMF program remains on track.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would allow Nvidia to ship its H200 chips to approved customers in China and other countries, under conditions that prioritize national security concerns.
Lando Norris, fresh off securing his first Formula 1 world championship, has confirmed he will proudly race with the No. 1 on his McLaren in the 2026 season.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment