M23 rebels in eastern Congo have rejected ceasefire calls and captured the strategic town of Walikale, pushing deeper into Congolese territory. The conflict, rooted in historical and resource-related issues, risks devolving into a wider regional war as tensions escalate. International efforts for peace dialogues continue to face setbacks, highlighting the complex dynamics of the situation.
The M23 rebel leader in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has dismissed calls for a ceasefire from Kinshasa and Kigali, stating that these appeals “do not concern us.” His forces have intensified their offensive, capturing the strategic town of Walikale, marking the farthest west they have advanced since January, following significant fights with the Congolese army and allied militias. Walikale, home to 15,000 residents, is crucial as it lies along a road connecting four provinces and is rich in minerals, including tin.
The conflict in eastern Congo has deep roots, stemming from the 1994 Rwandan genocide and competition for mineral resources. This ongoing turmoil represents the most severe violence in the region since the war from 1998 to 2003, which involved multiple neighboring countries and led to millions of casualties. Recent skirmishes indicate an evolution into a broader regional conflict, with troops from Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi actively engaging.
Congolese army spokesperson Nestor Mavudisa confirmed the rebel capture of Walikale. As a strategically positioned town, its loss places M23 approximately 400 kilometers from Kisangani, the fourth-largest city in the country, known for its vital port. In a collaborative effort, Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda urged for an immediate ceasefire following direct talks in Qatar, but the M23 leader stated that his group is not operating under Rwandan directives.
Corneille Nangaa, head of the Congo River Alliance, asserted in an interview that M23’s motivations are Congolese-centered, insisting that the issues discussed in Doha do not address their concerns. Despite previously indicating a willingness to engage in talks with Kinshasa, M23 withdrew from anticipated discussions in Angola, citing European Union sanctions against its members and Rwandan officials as reasons for their departure. Still, Nangaa emphasized the need for direct dialogue to settle the conflict and called for the end of perceived persecution against Tutsis in Congo and improvements in governance.
The international community remains divided, with numerous statements suggesting that Rwanda provides military support to M23, which Rwanda refutes, asserting self-defense against Congo’s army and militia groups linked to the 1994 genocide.
The situation in eastern Congo remains critical as M23 rebels reject calls for a ceasefire and capture key territory, escalating tensions in the region. The conflict has undercurrents deeply rooted in historical grievances and resource competition, while international efforts for dialogue continue to face obstacles. The developments signify a potential shift towards a broader regional conflict, necessitating urgent attention from global actors to foster peace and stability.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
