M23 Rebels Capture Walikale, Defying Ceasefire

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured the strategic town of Walikale in the Democratic Republic of Congo, further solidifying their control over the mineral-rich eastern region despite ongoing calls for a ceasefire from the leaders of both nations. The rebels' advance comes shortly after a meeting between Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda's Paul Kagame aimed at reducing tensions, yet M23 remains defiant, demanding direct negotiations with Kinshasa. Walikale, rich in tin and gold, is significant not only for its resources but also for its strategic location, bringing the rebels closer to Kisangani, Congo's fourth-largest city. Civil society reports indicate heavy fighting in the area, with locals expressing fears of abandonment by the Congolese army. The conflict has resulted in over 7,000 deaths and widespread displacement, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region. Analysts warn that the situation remains precarious, as M23's recent territorial gains may embolden further aggression amid unresolved ethnic and resource-related tensions.