Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have advanced into Walikale, Congo, ignoring ceasefire calls from regional leaders. This follows a series of territorial gains by the rebels and represents a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict. The region’s significant mineral deposits, including key tin and gold mines, are now threatened as violence worsens and humanitarian crises deepen.

Rwanda-backed rebels, known as M23, have made advances into the mineral-rich town of Walikale in eastern Congo, disregarding calls for a ceasefire issued by both the Congolese and Rwandan presidents. This escalation follows earlier gains by the M23 rebels, who seized the strategic city of Goma in January and the town of Bukavu in February. The recent offensive emerged despite an unexpected ceasefire appeal from the leaders during discussions in Qatar, which occurred after failed negotiations between Congo’s government and M23 leaders.

The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo remains dire as M23 rebels continue their aggressive expansion, threatening stability in a region already suffering from significant humanitarian crises. Both the local population and vital mineral resources are at risk as armed confrontations intensify. Calls for ceasefires by regional leaders have yet to yield results, further complicating the situation.

Original Source: www.2news.com