M23 Rebels Seize Walikale, Defying Ceasefire in Eastern Congo
M23 rebels have captured the town of Walikale in eastern Congo, defying ceasefire calls from the Congolese and Rwandan presidents. This strategic move cuts off army positions and raises alarm about the humanitarian crisis, with over 7 million displaced. The region’s resources are at risk, prompting temporary halts to mining operations as tensions remain high.
On Wednesday evening, M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, entered the strategic town of Walikale in eastern Congo. This occurred just one day after the leaders of Congo and Rwanda called for an immediate ceasefire. Residents and civil society leaders have confirmed the rebels’ presence, particularly at notable local sites, indicating their control over the town, which is crucial for the region’s logistics.
The M23’s takeover of Walikale provides them control over a key road linking four provinces: North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema. This effectively isolates the positions of the Congolese army. Civilians heard heavy artillery exchanges during the day, which subsided into sporadic gunfire, highlighting the dire situation on the ground. Activist Fiston Misona remarked on the apparent withdrawal of Congolese military efforts, expressing grave concerns about civilian safety.
This escalation follows an unscheduled meeting between the presidents of Congo and Rwanda in Qatar, where they reiterated the call for a ceasefire. Their meeting succeeded a prior failed attempt to negotiate a ceasefire involving the Congolese government and M23 leadership. Tensions rose further as the rebels abandoned peace talks after the European Union announced sanctions against their leaders.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has its roots in a decades-long struggle, intensifying recently with M23 seizing key cities like Goma and Bukavu. M23 is one of over 100 armed factions vying for control in this resource-rich region, which has been ravaged by humanitarian crises displacing over 7 million individuals. Reports suggest M23 is supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, with ambitions reportedly extending towards the Congolese capital, Kinshasa.
In response to the worsening situation, the U.N. Human Rights Council has established a commission to investigate serious allegations of human rights abuses committed by both Congolese and rebel forces. The Walikale area is particularly significant due to its vast reserves of tin and gold, with major tin exports originating from the nearby Bisie tin mine. The operator, Alphamin Resources, announced a temporary halt to operations due to the advancing rebels, underscoring the serious implications for the local economy and stability.
The recent incursion of M23 rebels into Walikale underscores the fragility of the ceasefire efforts between Congo and Rwanda. Despite calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the conflict continues to escalate, exacerbating a long-standing humanitarian crisis. The situation remains precarious as local resources are threatened and the international community watches closely for human rights violations that have emerged amidst the chaos.
Original Source: apnews.com
