• Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured Walikale, a strategic town in eastern Congo.
• This advance comes just a day after calls for an immediate ceasefire from leaders of Congo and Rwanda.
• The situation has escalated, creating a significant humanitarian crisis with over 7 million displaced.

On March 19, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced into the town of Walikale, marking a significant move in their ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This aggressive push occurred just a day after Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame issued calls for an immediate ceasefire during their discussions in Qatar. Despite these calls, eyewitnesses reported heavy gunfire from the Nyabangi neighborhood as the rebels engaged with the Congolese army and pro-government militias after taking an army position close to the town.

The capture of Walikale, a town with a population of about 15,000 located in a mineral-rich area, represents the farthest west the M23 has advanced this year. Control of Walikale strategically positions the rebels along key roadways linking various eastern provinces, severely impacting the operations of the Congolese military. Reports confirm that M23 fighters are visibly present in the town, with local residents indicating a clear domination of the area.

As the conflict intensifies, the United Nations has raised alarms about the escalating humanitarian crisis, with over 7 million people displaced due to the violence and ongoing military actions. This situation occurs amidst claims that Rwanda is backing the M23 militia by providing arms and military support. Although Rwanda denies these accusations, the international community is closely monitoring developments.

Reports have surfaced suggesting the rebels are determined to advance further, potentially threatening the sovereignty of the DRC, a country already scarred by decades of conflict fueled by competition for resources. The mineral-rich regions of eastern Congo, including areas around Walikale, are key to various global supply chains, particularly tin and gold.

While the region has been fraught with violence, diplomatic efforts from neighboring countries and global powers aim to resolve the crisis. However, the rebels have shown little inclination toward a ceasefire, indicating that their cause remains to be heard and that they will continue fighting until their demands are addressed. This was articulated by M23’s leadership, who stated that the recent ceasefire appeals “don’t concern us” and underscored their commitment to their military actions in the region.

The heavy questioning of M23's motives and the situation's impact on local communities continues to emerge, as high stakes remain for the people of eastern Congo caught in the crossfire of this complex conflict.

For additional details, please refer to the original articles from Reuters and The New York Times.