M23, an armed group active in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has captured Walikale, a strategic mining town in the country’s east. This marks the group’s furthest advance westward since its emergence in 2012. The town, home to approximately 60,000 residents, was reported to have been taken without significant resistance from government forces, who retreated to nearby Mubi to avoid civilian casualties.
The takeover comes amidst ongoing regional tensions and disrupts operations in the mineral-rich area. Major companies like Alphamin have ceased activities at significant mining sites, including the Bisie mine, known for its large tin ore reserves. This push by M23 into key resource areas intensifies concerns about escalating conflict in the region.
The DRC government has accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting M23 to control valuable minerals, allegations that Rwanda denies. A UN report indicates Rwanda has deployed significant troop numbers in eastern DRC.
Amid the rising tensions, leaders from both countries recently held discussions in Doha, expressing a desire for ceasefire negotiations, although details of any potential agreement remain unspecified. The conflict has significant implications for stability in North and South Kivu provinces, areas severely affected by the ongoing hostilities.
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