M23 Rebels Advance in DR Congo, Dismiss Calls for Ceasefire

M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo have captured Walikale, defying ceasefire calls from the government and Rwanda. The capture signifies a strategic advancement towards Kinshasa. Rebel leader Corneille Nangaa rejected the call for peace, asserting the group’s autonomy in its cause. Ongoing regional tensions point towards the potential escalation of conflict, requiring an African-led solution.

The M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have dismissed calls for a ceasefire from the government and Rwanda, asserting that the matter “doesn’t concern us.” Their advance continues with the strategic capture of the town of Walikale, marking their furthest reach westward since overrunning the region’s largest cities earlier this year.

Walikale, a town of 15,000, fell to rebel forces following intense fighting, according to army officials and local witnesses. The ongoing conflict, deeply rooted in historical grievances tied to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and mineral wealth competition, is escalating into a larger regional war as various armed factions engage.

Situated in a mineral-rich area, the capture of Walikale places the rebels approximately 400 kilometers from Kisangani, a significant city along the Congo River. An M23 officer addressed local residents, reassuring them of security while announcing the rebels’ intent to advance towards Kinshasa, stating their commitment to continue their march.

The call for a ceasefire was made by DR Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame during a meeting in Doha. However, Corneille Nangaa, leader of the M23 alliance, rejected this appeal, emphasizing that their fight is a Congolese cause. He indicated that without clarity on the Doha discussions, they remain uninterested in the proposals.

The United Nations has reported that Rwanda has been providing military support to the M23, a claim Rwanda has denied, asserting its military actions are reactions to threats from DR Congo’s armed forces. Recently anticipated peace talks in Angola between DR Congo and M23 were thwarted by M23’s withdrawal due to sanctions imposed by the European Union.

The state of confusion surrounding peace initiatives from various foreign entities was noted by analysts, as Angola’s foreign ministry expressed surprise at the Doha discussions, suggesting African conflicts require African solutions. Nangaa has advocated for direct negotiations with the DR Congo government, emphasizing that it is the sole pathway to resolving the ongoing issues, including allegations of persecution against Tutsis in the country.

The progression of the M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo highlights the complexities of the ongoing conflict, exacerbated by external influences and historical grievances. The disregard for ceasefire calls underscores the rebels’ determination to assert their agenda. The situation remains critical as regional dynamics evolve, necessitating immediate attention to facilitate lasting peace through direct negotiations.

Original Source: aapnews.aap.com.au