Overview

• M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have taken control of Walikale, a key mining hub in North Kivu province, marking their farthest advance westward in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
• The capture comes just days after the presidents of Rwanda and DRC met in Qatar and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, which M23 has rejected.
• The ongoing conflict has displaced over 700,000 people and killed thousands since January 2025, with severe humanitarian consequences, including reports of human rights abuses and sexual violence.
• International sanctions, including those from the EU and the US, target M23 leaders and Rwandan officials accused of supporting the group, escalating diplomatic pressure on Rwanda.
• Qatar's mediation efforts reflect its growing role in African diplomacy, but the lack of M23 participation in the talks highlights challenges in achieving a durable resolution to the conflict.