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(MENAFN) Rebels from the M23 group have taken control of the strategic mining town of Walikale in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking their furthest westward advance in the ongoing conflict. Nestor Mavudisa, spokesperson for the DRC's armed forces (FARDC), confirmed on Thursday that the rebels seized the area, located about 400km (250 miles) from Kisangani, the DRC's fourth-largest city. Walikale, home to around 15,000 residents, is rich in minerals like tin and gold.
The town fell to the rebels on Wednesday following intense fighting with the Congolese army and allied militias, with locals reporting heavy artillery exchanges before M23 forces took control. Since the beginning of 2025, more than 8,500 people, including children and peacekeepers, have been killed in the escalating clashes. Key cities such as Goma and Bukavu have already been captured by the militants.
Despite calls for an immediate ceasefire from Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in talks in Qatar, the M23 group has continued its offensive. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated that the group seeks a genuine political dialogue to address the root causes of instability in the DRC and stressed the importance of peace.
The conflict has intensified tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of supporting the M23 rebels—an allegation supported by a UN expert panel, though Rwanda denies it, claiming its forces are only protecting its borders. M23 withdrew from peace talks in Angola after the EU imposed sanctions on the group's leaders, further complicating efforts for a resolution.
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