M23 fighters remain in Walikale despite pledge to withdraw
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Direct negotiations between Kinshasa and M23 representatives were scheduled to take place in Luanda, Angola, on March 18, but were cancelled unexpectedly.
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People walk past a closed bank in downtown Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, one month after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels took the city. (AP)
Armed members of the M23 group continued to occupy the town of Walikale in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday, days after stating their intention to pull back in support of renewed political negotiations.
The Rwanda-backed rebel faction had announced on Saturday that it was "repositioning its forces" outside Walikale, describing the move as a step toward fostering "peace and political dialogue." However, the group also declared that it would not permit Congolese government forces to re-enter the town, home to roughly 60,000 residents.
On the same evening, the Congolese army responded, saying troops would "observe with vigilance" and avoid taking offensive action while calling on pro-government militias to do the same "to encourage de-escalation."
Decreased hostilities
Reports from Walikale on Sunday indicated a lull in hostilities, though the presence of M23 fighters remained unchanged.
"We woke up to calm. There were no bombardments this morning. The M23 are still here," a local resident told AFP, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
A medical worker, also requesting anonymity, confirmed the absence of airstrikes and said the fighters "are still with us."
A Congolese soldier described the atmosphere as "calm," though he could not confirm any movement on the part of the armed group.
Peace talks falter
Direct negotiations between Kinshasa and M23 representatives were scheduled to take place in Luanda, Angola, on March 18, but were cancelled unexpectedly. On that same day, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in Doha for a surprise round of talks facilitated by Qatar. During the meeting, both leaders "reaffirmed their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire."
Despite this, clashes have not ceased in the region.
Read more: Children fall prey to lethal violence, rape in east Congo war
M23 seized control of Walikale last Wednesday. The town is strategically located at the crossroads leading to Goma and Bukavu—two cities the group captured earlier this year in swift military campaigns. These urban centers are the capitals of North and South Kivu, provinces long plagued by conflict and rich in natural resources.
Walikale lies near significant mineral sites, including gold deposits and the Bisie tin mine—one of the largest globally in terms of production. Operations at Bisie have been suspended since mid-March due to the conflict.
