Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Walikale, a strategic mining town in North Kivu province, further extending their advance into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
According to local and security sources, the rebels seized the town on Wednesday “almost without a fight,” supported by the Rwandan army. The United Nations-backed Radio Okapi and security officers in the region confirmed the capture.
“Walikale-centre is occupied by the M23 … We retreated to avoid human losses,” a DRC military (FARDC) officer told AFP, stating that government forces had withdrawn to Mubi, about 30km away.
Fiston Misona, a civil society activist, told Reuters that at least seven civilians were injured and receiving treatment at the general hospital. An M23 source confirmed to Reuters that the rebels now have full control over Walikale.
The capture marks the farthest westward advance by M23 since its emergence in 2012, raising concerns over the group’s increasing territorial control. The town, home to approximately 15,000 people, lies about 125km northwest of Goma and puts the rebels within 400km of Kisangani, DRC’s fourth-largest city.
The takeover comes just a day after Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in Doha, Qatar, calling for an immediate ceasefire and unconditional cessation of hostilities. However, the continued fighting raises doubts over the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, thousands of residents are fleeing Walikale, fearing further violence. With M23 expanding its hold on DRC’s resource-rich eastern region, the crisis deepens, posing a significant challenge to regional stability and security.
