The DRC army, supported by Wazalendo allies, has halted advances by the M23 rebels at Walikale-Centre. Tensions remain high, resulting in civilian displacement. The EAC and SADC ministers have adopted a roadmap for conflict resolution while not directly addressing Rwanda’s involvement. Key measures include establishing dialogue and facilitating humanitarian access within 30 days.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) army, along with its Wazalendo partners, has successfully repulsed recent advances by the M23 rebels, halting their attack on Walikale-Centre and pushing them back to Mpofi as of March 17. Military reinforcements from Bunia in Ituri Province played a crucial role in this effort. Although calm was restored on March 18, the presence of military forces remains high, resulting in a noticeable decline in civilian activity in the region.
In the aftermath, many residents have fled towards nearby villages such as Losso, Mungele, Tingitingi, Lubutu Mubi, Ndjingala, Lobu, and Makana along the national highway leading to Kisangani. This movement highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis within the region as civilians seek refuge from the violence.
On the diplomatic front, ministers from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened in Harare, Zimbabwe, on March 17, adopting a roadmap aimed at addressing the conflict in Eastern DRC. Notably, the meeting refrained from directly accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23. The roadmap outlines short- and long-term measures to facilitate peace, such as initiating direct military dialogue and ensuring humanitarian access.
Furthermore, the plan includes the establishment of a joint verification mechanism by SADC and EAC to monitor the cessation of hostilities. The roadmap is expected to be presented at a subsequent joint summit for official adoption, with urgent actions mandated within 30 days, which encompass initiating humanitarian operations and restoring access to critical transport hubs like Goma and Kavumu airports.
Despite the lack of direct acknowledgment of Rwandan involvement in the M23 rebellion during the meeting, multiple United Nations reports have signaled ongoing Rwandan military engagement within the DRC. This situation reflects a broader historical context of conflict in the eastern DRC, which has been marred by instability, particularly post-1994 Rwandan genocide, where tensions over resource control have remained high.
The military success of the DRC army in repelling M23 advances is a significant, albeit temporary, development amidst a prolonged conflict exacerbated by regional factors. The diplomatic efforts through the EAC and SADC aim to implement urgent measures to secure peace and ensure humanitarian access in affected areas. However, the underlying issues, particularly concerning Rwandan involvement, remain critical to the ongoing instability in the region.
Original Source: humanglemedia.com
