Overview

• The M23 rebel group has seized the strategic town of Walikale, a key hub near the Bisie tin mine and connecting major cities in eastern DRC.
• Despite capturing Walikale, the M23 claims to remain committed to a ceasefire but accuses the Congolese army of indiscriminate attacks.
• Over 100,000 people have been displaced in recent months, and sites housing 400,000 internally displaced individuals have been destroyed, according to the UN.
• Peace talks mediated by Angola collapsed after the M23 withdrew, while earlier secret discussions in Qatar between DRC and Rwandan leaders yielded no tangible progress.
• The DRC accuses Rwanda of militarily supporting the M23, a claim supported by a UN report, though Rwanda denies involvement.