M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have advanced further into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reaching the outskirts of Walikale on Wednesday night.

This comes just a day after the presidents of Congo and Rwanda called for an immediate ceasefire.

According to local residents, gunfire was heard near the Nyabangi neighborhood of Walikale. An army official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Congolese troops and allied militias were engaged in intense fighting after the rebels launched a surprise assault, capturing an army position near the town.

Walikale is a strategic town in eastern DRC, rich in valuable minerals such as tin. This latest M23 advance marks the farthest west the group has reached this year. The town, home to approximately 15,000 people, is situated about 125 km (80 miles) northwest of Goma, which fell to the rebels in January. Their continued march now brings them within 400 km of Kisangani, one of Congo’s largest cities.

The escalating violence has forced mining giant Alphamin Resources (AFM.V) to suspend operations at the Bisie tin mine, located 60 km northwest of Walikale. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are intensifying, as regional and global powers seek to contain what is now eastern Congo’s worst conflict since the 1998-2003 war.

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On Tuesday, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in Qatar for their first direct negotiations since the M23 offensive began in January. Alongside Qatari officials, they issued a joint statement demanding an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire.

While the United Nations accuses Rwanda of arming and supporting M23, Kigali denies these allegations, insisting its military is acting in self-defense. Talks between Congo and M23 were scheduled for Tuesday in Angola, but the rebel group withdrew, citing European Union sanctions against its leaders and Rwandan officials.

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