M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, advanced into the strategic town of Walikale in Congo, defying ceasefire calls from the Congolese and Rwandan presidents. This takeover impacts military positions and escalates tensions amid ongoing humanitarian crises, displacing millions and prompting investigations into human rights violations. The region’s rich mineral resources add complexity to the conflict.
On the evening of Wednesday, M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, entered the strategically significant town of Walikale in eastern Congo, as confirmed by local residents and civil society leaders. This incursion occurred shortly after the Congolese and Rwandan presidents issued a call for an immediate ceasefire. Prince Kihangi, a former deputy provincial official, indicated that M23 rebels were visibly present in key locations within Walikale, reinforcing evidence of their control in the area.
The capture of Walikale grants M23 control over a crucial road connection linking several provinces in eastern Congo, including North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema, effectively isolating Congolese military positions in the region. Civil society activist Fiston Misona reported audible heavy artillery throughout the day, which transitioned to sporadic gunfire in the evening, expressing concern that “Our Congolese army is no longer fighting; it is as if we were being sacrificed.”
This escalation of conflict comes in swift succession after discussions between Congo’s and Rwanda’s presidents in Qatar aimed at establishing a ceasefire. The talks followed a failed attempt on Tuesday to negotiate a ceasefire between the Congolese government and M23 leaders, with the rebels withdrawing, possibly influenced by newly announced European Union sanctions against their leadership.
The ongoing conflict, which has persisted for decades, intensified in January with M23’s advance into Goma and subsequently Bukavu. Operating alongside approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, M23 is among around 100 armed factions vying for influence in the mineral-rich eastern region, a situation contributing to one of the world’s dire humanitarian crises, displacing over 7 million individuals.
The United Nations has established a commission to investigate reported human rights violations by both M23 and the Congolese military, including charges of rape and summary executions. Furthermore, Walikale is known for its significant mineral wealth, particularly tin and gold. Notably, the Bisie tin mine, which is a major contributor to North Kivu’s tin exports, announced a temporary halt in operations due to the advancing rebel forces.
The entry of M23 rebels into Walikale signifies a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, defying recent calls for a ceasefire from both Congolese and Rwandan leadership. As the situation develops, concerns are mounting over civilian safety and the humanitarian crisis, with the potential for further regional instability and violence, particularly in mineral-rich areas which are central to the conflict.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
