Renewed fighting in eastern DRC sees M23 rebels clashing with pro-government forces, despite regional ceasefire talks. The M23’s advances have resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Leaders from EAC and SADC are working towards peace, appointing former heads of state to facilitate negotiations. Burundi’s President alleges Rwandan intentions to destabilize his country, further complicating regional relations.
Recent hostilities have recommenced in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels engage pro-government forces despite ongoing truce negotiations led by regional mediators from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The fighting in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces marks a significant escalation, occurring shortly after virtual discussions aimed at reviving ceasefire efforts.
The M23 rebels have fortified their position since January, successfully capturing Goma and Bukavu, leading to substantial loss of life and the displacement of numerous civilians. Renewed clashes surfaced as the M23 dismissed a prior agreement to withdraw from the strategically significant town of Walikale.
Local civil society representative Muhindo Tafuteni reported ongoing violence near Lake Edward, which borders Congo and Uganda, alongside multiple conflict sites in South Kivu, particularly around Bukavu, a city seized by M23 in February. Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the Congo River Alliance of rebel factions, emphasized the group’s determination to continue their insurgency in pursuit of national stability, dismissing recent peace discussions as ineffective without M23 involvement.
In a collaborative effort, EAC and SADC leaders met to promote a ceasefire initiative rooted in historical tensions, notably stemming from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the quest for control over DRC’s vast mineral wealth, valued at approximately $24 trillion. Following the meeting, five former heads of state were appointed to facilitate the peace proceedings.
The new panel, which includes notable figures such as Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo and Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta, will select a mediator to succeed Angolan President João Lourenço, who recently stepped down from his peacekeeping role. The situation remains precarious as DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi had indicated a newfound willingness to negotiate with the M23, yet subsequent EU sanctions prompted the rebels to withdraw from these discussions.
Amid ongoing skirmishes, Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye alleged that Rwanda harbors intentions of instigating conflict within Burundi, asserting that Rwandan support for the Red Tabara rebel group could destabilize his nation in a manner analogous to the tumult caused by the M23 in DRC. Rwandan officials expressed bewilderment at these accusations, noting collaborations between Rwandan and Burundian defense entities.
In summary, a resurgence of conflict in the DRC highlights ongoing tensions between M23 rebels and pro-government forces, exacerbated by regional dynamics and external diplomatic efforts. The urgency for a sustainable ceasefire is underscored by humanitarian concerns and the significant mineral wealth of the region. As negotiations unfold, the involvement of former leaders in peace facilitation may prove crucial, yet the lack of M23 engagement raises questions about the efficacy of peace efforts. Vigilance is required as the intricate relationship between Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC continues to shape the trajectory of the conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
