M23 Rebels Enter Walikale, Ignoring Ceasefire Appeals in Eastern Congo
The M23 rebels have taken control of Walikale, a crucial town in eastern Congo, despite calls for a ceasefire from the Congolese and Rwandan leaders. This move isolates positions of the Congolese army and continues a cycle of violence that has led to significant humanitarian challenges in the region.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have entered the strategic town of Walikale in eastern Congo, a move that defies recent calls for a ceasefire from the leaders of both Congo and Rwanda. Residents and civil society leaders confirmed the rebels’ presence on Wednesday, stating that they have established themselves in key locations within Walikale. Prince Kihangi, a former local deputy, noted that the M23’s control allows them access to a vital road connecting four provinces in the region: North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema, effectively isolating positions of the Congolese army.
Reports indicate persistent heavy artillery fire throughout the day in Walikale, although this subsided by evening, replaced by sporadic gunfire. Fiston Misona, a civil society activist, expressed concern regarding the Congolese army’s inactivity, stating, “Our Congolese army is no longer fighting. It’s as if we were being sacrificed.”
The recent escalation in conflict follows a meeting between the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Qatar, where they advocated for an immediate ceasefire. This discussion came after a failed attempt to engage M23 leaders in ceasefire negotiations that ended abruptly when the rebels withdrew following new sanctions imposed by the European Union.
Since January, the fighting in eastern Congo has intensified, particularly after the M23 captured the significant city of Goma, and subsequently Bukavu in February. The M23 is one of many armed factions vying for control in this resource-rich region, a conflict that has resulted in a massive humanitarian crisis, displacing over 7 million people.
UN experts suggest that around 4,000 Rwandan troops are aiding the M23 rebels, who have expressed ambitions of advancing towards the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, located approximately 1,600 kilometers from Walikale. Last month, the UN Human Rights Council initiated a commission to investigate reported atrocities committed during this conflict, including severe human rights violations.
Walikale is notable for its extensive mineral wealth, including significant deposits of tin and gold. The Bisie tin mine, which produces the majority of tin exports from North Kivu province, has temporarily suspended operations due to the advancing rebels, according to its operator, Alphamin Resources.
In summary, the entry of M23 rebels into Walikale underscores an alarming escalation in a protracted conflict that negatively impacts the local population and disrupts vital mineral production. With calls for a ceasefire from both Congolese and Rwandan leaders largely ignored, humanitarian concerns mount as violence continues unabated. The international community, including the UN, remains vigilant in monitoring the situation amid increasing reports of human rights violations.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
