M23 rebels capture Walikale in eastern DRC
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured the strategic mining hub of Walikale in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
M23 rebels entered Walikale on Wednesday. Spokesperson for the Congolese army, Nestor Mavudisa, confirmed on Thursday that “the enemy” now controlled Walikale.
The town in North Kivu province is the farthest west that the rebels have reached during its rapid advance that started in January. Earlier this year, M23 seized Goma and Bukavu.