M23 rebels capture strategic mining hub of Walikale in eastern DRC
Guardian5 days ago
DR Congo: M23 Captures Strategic Mining Town Despite Calls for Cease-Fire
Above: A M23 soldier stands at the Coltan mining pits in Rubaya on March 5, 2025. Image copyright: Camille Laffont/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Anti-government armed groups in eastern DRC, of which the M23 is the best known, have always wanted peace, consistently calling for dialogue to end the decades-long conflict. However, Kinshasa continues to act as a puppet in the hands of Western powers and attack the Congolese people.
Narrative B
It's about time to realize that negotiations will do nothing to solve the conflict in eastern Congo as the actions of Rwanda and its M23 proxy don't match their words. It's no surprise that they agreed to a cease-fire only to continue to advance. As it stands, only further international sanctions can force this war to end.