Angola Denounces M23 Rebels for Ceasefire Violation in DRC
Angola has accused M23 rebels of violating a ceasefire in eastern DRC following clashes in North Kivu province, where the M23 captured the town of Kalembe. The Angolan government condemned this act as a violation of the truce established in August. Local militia Wazalendo has also claimed control over the town, and tensions remain high as the region grapples with long-standing conflicts involving various armed groups.
Angola has officially accused the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel group of breaching a ceasefire agreement in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This ceasefire had been established earlier in August, facilitated by Angolan mediation efforts. However, renewed hostilities were reported on Sunday in North Kivu province, as clashes erupted between M23 militants and the government-aligned militia known as Wazalendo. Local reports indicated that M23 forces took control of the town of Kalembe, which Angolan authorities have described as a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire. Angola’s government expressed strong condemnation of this act, asserting that it undermines ongoing peace initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict. Witnesses noted that intense fighting occurred early on Sunday, culminating in the M23’s occupation of Kalembe after engaging and repelling the Wazalendo fighters. Despite these developments, no confirmation was made regarding the presence of Rwandan or Congolese armed forces in the fighting. Marcellin Shenkuku, speaking on behalf of the Wazalendo militia, stated that his group now has regained control over Kalembe, asserting that official Congolese armed forces were not involved in the altercation. Angola’s public condemnation is notable, as confrontations between the M23 and Kinshasa-affiliated militias have been frequent, yet typically remain unaddressed by government statements. Since the outset of its renewed offensive in late 2021, M23 has captured significant territories in eastern DRC, resulting in thousands being displaced and triggering a humanitarian crisis. Kalembe, which boasts a population of approximately 40,000, serves as a strategic point along a key transportation route leading to valuable mineral deposits in the surrounding area. The region is marred by continuous strife involving various rebel factions and has experienced violence for decades.
The M23 rebel group, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, has been engaged in an ongoing conflict in eastern DRC for several years. Their resurgence began in late 2021, and since then, they have expanded their territorial control, leading to widespread displacement and humanitarian crises. The dispute has been exacerbated by the region’s rich deposits of minerals such as gold and coltan, which have historically drawn various rebel groups and interests. The ceasefire negotiated by Angola was intended to reduce hostilities and facilitate peace talks; however, the recent violation has stoked tensions and posed a significant challenge to stabilizing the eastern DRC, an area plagued by violence and instability for decades.
The recent accusation by Angola against the M23 rebels highlights the fragile state of the ceasefire intended to quell ongoing violence in eastern DRC. The occupation of Kalembe signifies a concerning escalation in the conflict, raising fears about the stability of peace efforts and the humanitarian impacts on the local population. Angola’s strong condemnation may reflect a commitment to safeguard the mediation process, but the continued presence of armed groups poses an imminent threat to achieving lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
