M23 Rebels Defy Ceasefire Call, Seize Strategic Town in Eastern Congo

M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have seized the town of Walikale in eastern Congo despite recent calls for a ceasefire by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents. This move disrupts access across several provinces and raises concerns over the Congolese army’s response. The conflict continues to affect millions in the region, with investigations into human rights abuses currently underway.

On Wednesday evening, M23 rebels backed by Rwanda entered the vital town of Walikale in eastern Congo, shortly after calls for a ceasefire from the presidents of Congo and Rwanda. Prince Kihangi, a local leader, confirmed the rebels’ presence in the town center, indicating a significant escalation in the conflict. The M23’s control over Walikale disrupts strategic access across multiple provinces, impacting the Congolese army’s operations.

Residents reported heavy artillery fire throughout the day, which shifted to sporadic gunfire by nightfall. Civil society activist Fiston Misona expressed concern, stating, “Our Congolese army is no longer fighting. It’s as if we were being sacrificed.” The M23 rebels have not issued any immediate statements regarding their actions.

The current conflict intensified following a meeting in Qatar, where leaders from Congo and Rwanda sought an unconditional ceasefire. This engagement came after failed negotiations with the M23 rebels, who withdrew their participation after the European Union imposed sanctions on their leadership. The conflict in eastern Congo has persistently escalated, with the M23 capturing territorial key points throughout the year.

The M23 group, among approximately 100 armed factions in the region, is engaged in a struggle for control of eastern Congo’s mineral wealth—a conflict that has displaced over 7 million individuals. Reports indicate that the M23 rebels receive support from about 4,000 Rwandan troops and have ambitions that could extend toward Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, located roughly 1,600 kilometers away.

In light of the current developments, the U.N. Human Rights Council has initiated investigations into alleged human rights violations by both sides, focusing on reports of significant atrocities. Walikale is notably rich in natural resources, including extensive tin and gold deposits. Notably, operations at the Bisie tin mine were suspended last week due to the advancing conflict, illustrating the economic ramifications of the unrest in the region.

The entry of M23 rebels into Walikale represents a significant escalation in the conflict in eastern Congo, defying ceasefire efforts. The situation highlights ongoing issues of territorial control exacerbated by the involvement of Rwandan support. With millions displaced and the potential for humanitarian crises deepening, the urgency for a resolution is paramount. Continued investigations into human rights abuses further underline the severity of the situation in this mineral-rich region.

Original Source: www.newsday.com