The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, dismissed calls for an immediate ceasefire on Thursday, as its fighters captured the strategic town of Walikale, pushing further west into Congolese territory.
The town, home to around 15,000 people and rich in tin and other minerals, is the farthest the rebels have advanced. Its seizure grants them control over a vital road linking four eastern Congolese provinces and places them within 400 km (250 miles) of Kisangani, the country’s fourth-largest city.
Residents and M23 sources confirmed the town was under full rebel control. “The rebels are now visible in the centre of the city,” said Fiston Misona, a civil society activist, adding that at least seven wounded civilians were being treated at the local hospital. The Congolese army has yet to comment.
Rebels Reject Ceasefire, Demand Direct Talks
On Wednesday, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame held surprise talks in Doha, their first direct meeting since M23 escalated its offensive in January. They jointly called for an immediate ceasefire.
But M23 dismissed the appeal, denying that its actions were dictated by Rwanda.
“We are Congolese fighting for a cause,” said Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes M23. Speaking from Goma, he said, “What happened in Doha doesn’t concern us unless it directly addresses our demands.”
A Conflict Rooted in History
The M23 rebellion stems from deep-seated tensions following Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and ongoing battles over eastern Congo’s mineral wealth. The current conflict has become the region’s worst since the 1998-2003 war that drew in multiple neighboring countries.
Since January, the rebels have overrun major towns, including Goma and Bukavu, dealing repeated defeats to Congo’s army.
The United Nations, Western governments, and independent analysts have accused Rwanda of supplying M23 with weapons and troops. Kigali denies backing the rebels, instead claiming its military is acting in self-defense against Congolese forces and Hutu militias linked to the 1994 genocide perpetrators.
Will Kinshasa Negotiate?
Talks between Congo and M23 were expected to take place in Angola on Tuesday after Kinshasa reversed its refusal to engage directly with the rebels. But M23 pulled out on Monday, citing European Union sanctions against some of its leaders and Rwandan officials.
Despite their battlefield momentum, M23 continues to push for direct negotiations. “If there is to be a dialogue, it must be a direct dialogue,” Nangaa emphasized. “We are committed to a peaceful solution.”
With M23 continuing its advance and Kinshasa hesitant to negotiate, the conflict shows no sign of easing, despite diplomatic efforts.