M23 Rebels Defy Ceasefire in Advance on Mineral-Rich Walikale, Congo
M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have taken control of the town of Walikale in eastern Congo, despite recent ceasefire calls. This action disrupts the Congolese army’s positions and raises humanitarian concerns, as over 7 million people have already been displaced due to ongoing conflict in the region. The area is rich in minerals, with significant implications for local and international economies.
On late Wednesday, M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, advanced into Walikale, a strategic town in eastern Congo, despite calls for an immediate ceasefire by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents. Residents confirmed the rebels’ presence in key locations, indicating their stronghold in the area. This takeover permits the M23 to control a vital road that connects four provinces—North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema—disrupting Congolese military positions.
Reports from the ground indicate heavy artillery fire throughout the day, subsiding to sporadic gunfire in the evening. A civil society activist, Fiston Misona, expressed concern about the Congolese army’s apparent retreat, stating, “Our Congolese army is no longer fighting. It’s as if we were being sacrificed.”
The situation escalated following discussions between the presidents of Congo and Rwanda in Qatar, which aimed to establish a ceasefire. This convergence followed a failed attempt to negotiate terms for the ceasefire with the M23 leaders, who withdrew after the European Union imposed sanctions on them.
The conflict in eastern Congo, especially regarding the M23 rebels, has intensified significantly since January, marked by the capture of cities like Goma and Bukavu. The M23 is amongst numerous armed factions vying for control of the mineral-rich regions, which has led to a substantial humanitarian crisis, displacing over 7 million individuals.
International reports suggest that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops back the M23 rebels, revealing intentions to advance further into Congo, potentially as far as the capital, Kinshasa. The U.N. Human Rights Council is launching investigations into severe human rights violations, including allegations of summary executions and sexual violence by both conflicting parties.
Walikale is particularly significant due to its vast mineral resources, including major tin and gold deposits, central to Congo’s economy. Notably, the Bisie tin mine, critical for North Kivu’s tin exports, announced a suspension of mining activities in response to the advancing rebels.
The recent advance of M23 rebels into Walikale underscores a serious defiance of peace efforts amidst a rapidly escalating conflict. The control of this strategic town interrupts vital military routes and raises alarm over significant humanitarian implications. With international attention focusing on this situation, it remains critical to address the ongoing crisis and seek a resolution that can alleviate the suffering of millions displaced by violence.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
