The M23 militia is ruling over a vast stretch of territory in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, threatening the sovereignty of the biggest country in sub-Saharan Africa.

Rwanda-backed rebels battling Congo’s army have pushed into a strategic, mineral-rich town in the east, ignoring calls for a ceasefire this week by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents as the M23 rebel group expands its footprint in the conflict-torn African country.

The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have taken the strategic town of Walikale in eastern Congo, escalating regional tensions. Despite calls from Congolese and Rwandan leaders for a ceasefire, the rebels seek direct talks with Kinshasa as they push deeper into Congolese territory,