Sun Mar 09 18:03:10 UTC 2025: ## M23 Rebels Advance on Walikale, DRC Government Faces Defections and Mounting Casualties

**Goma, DRC –** The M23 rebel group continues its advance in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), posing a significant threat to the strategic town of Walikale after capturing Goma and Bukavu in recent weeks. The group’s push into North Kivu province has been aided by a major setback for the Congolese government: the defection of a key allied armed group, Group Kabido, along with another smaller group. Group Kabido cited government mismanagement as the reason for their switch of allegiance.

This defection, coupled with ongoing fighting, has severely weakened government forces and allowed the M23, allegedly backed by Rwanda (a claim Rwanda denies), to push further north towards Walikale, a town crucial for its industrial mining revenue. Al Jazeera’s Alain Uaykani reported that Walikale generates millions in tax revenue for the government.

The escalating violence has caused a humanitarian crisis, with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reporting widespread displacement and attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. Over 100,000 people have been displaced in Lubero alone, and at least four civilians were killed in recent fighting in Masisi district. OCHA also noted a rise in crime in Goma, including burglaries and attacks, forcing the closure of some hospitals and schools.

In response, the DRC government has announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of three key M23 leaders: Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Sultani Makenga, who were convicted in absentia and sentenced to death. A further $4 million is offered for information on their accomplices. Over 7,000 people have been killed in eastern DRC fighting since January, with a significant number being civilians.

The M23’s resurgence, after a period of dormancy, highlights the ongoing instability in eastern DRC, where over 200 armed groups compete for control of the region’s valuable mineral resources. The situation raises serious concerns about the humanitarian crisis and the potential for further territorial gains by the M23.

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