M23 Rebels Capture Strategic Walikale Despite Ceasefire Claims

The Rwanda-backed group expands its control in eastern DRC, worsening a humanitarian crisis as diplomatic efforts falter.

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.