Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have advanced into the outskirts of Walikale in eastern Congo, despite calls for an immediate ceasefire by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents, residents told media on Wednesday.
Gunfire was reported near the town’s Nyabanzi neighborhood as M23 clashed with pro-government militias after overrunning Congolese army positions, according to an unnamed military source.
Walikale, located in a mineral-rich region, marks the furthest west the rebels have pushed in their ongoing offensive. The town lies about 125 km (80 miles) northwest of Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, which M23 seized in January.
The advance has disrupted mining operations, with Alphamin Resources suspending activities at its Bisie tin mine, about 60 km from Walikale, due to security concerns.
The fighting comes just a day after Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in Qatar for their first direct talks since M23 escalated its offensive in January. In a joint statement with Qatar, they called for an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire.