While M23 claims to protect the rights of Congolese Tutsi and other minorities, the DRC and several countries accuse Rwanda of backing the group to exploit mineral resources in the region.

Local activist Fiston Misona reported that at least seven people have been injured in Walikale, highlighting the immediate human toll of the conflict.

The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, exacerbated by M23's recent advances, has resulted in over 7 million people being displaced and is one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

This conflict is deeply rooted in historical tensions stemming from Rwanda's 1994 genocide and competition for valuable mineral resources, marking the worst violence since the 1998-2003 war.

Residents in Walikale reported heavy artillery fire, followed by sporadic gunfire, indicating a tense and ongoing situation despite the calls for a ceasefire.

M23 is reportedly backed by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops and has ambitions to advance towards Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, located about 1,600 kilometers away.

M23 rebels have captured the strategic mining town of Walikale in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite calls for a ceasefire from the presidents of Rwanda and the DRC.

Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebels with arms and troops, a claim it denies, asserting that its military actions are in self-defense against the Congolese army.

M23 had initially planned to participate in peace talks in Angola but withdrew, citing European Union sanctions impacting some of its leaders.

The U.N. Human Rights Council is investigating reported atrocities in the conflict, including allegations of rape and summary executions by both sides.

The loss of key mines like Bisie and Rubaya due to the conflict represents a significant blow to the Congolese government's tax revenues, exacerbating the economic crisis under President Félix Tshisekedi.

As the fighting escalates, local residents have fled Walikale en masse, seeking refuge in various locations, driven by fear and panic amidst the advancing rebel forces.