Ankara: The M23 rebels on Monday continued their offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo ahead of direct peace talks with the Congolese government in Angola, according to local media: The fighting approached the territorial capital of Walikale in the eastern province of North Kivu, Congolese news website Actualite reported.
According to Anadolu Agency, the incident came after Angolan President Joao Lourenco called for a ceasefire between the parties ahead of peace talks in the Angolan capital of Luanda. Peace talks between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group, brokered by Lourenco, the African Union peace mediator for the conflict in Congo, are scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
The rebel group has intensified its offensive in eastern Congo since December, capturing Goma and Bukavu. In March, the rebels captured Nyabiondo, located 110 kilometers (68 miles) northwest of Goma in North Kivu province, after days of fierce fighting between government forces and the pro-government militia, Wazalendo.
The conflict has led to the displacement of thousands of residents to surrounding territories and neighboring countries, according to the UN. Congo and others accuse neighboring Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels. Rwanda has denied the allegations.