The M23 rebel group has pushed further into eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as peace talks with the Congolese government are set to take place in Luanda, Angola, on Tuesday.
According to Congolese news outlet Actualite, the rebels advanced toward Walikale, the capital of North Kivu province, despite a ceasefire call from Angolan President Joao Lourenco, who is mediating the talks on behalf of the African Union.
The M23 insurgency, which escalated in December, has seen the rebels seize key cities such as Goma and Bukavu. In March, they captured Nyabiondo, located 110 kilometers northwest of Goma, after intense clashes with government forces and the pro-government militia, Wazalendo.
The ongoing conflict has forced thousands to flee to safer regions and neighboring countries, according to the United Nations. The Congolese government and its allies have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim Rwanda has consistently denied.
The upcoming peace talks aim to find a solution to the worsening crisis and end the violence that has plagued the region.