Continued Strife in Eastern Congo: M23 Rebels Capture Walikale Amid Ceasefire Calls
M23 rebels have captured the mineral-rich town of Walikale in eastern Congo despite ceasefire calls. The conflict has escalated, with the Congolese army reportedly withdrawing. The rebels claim their actions are to protect civilians from government attacks, while there are significant economic implications due to the area’s rich resources. Violence continues to threaten the local population and humanitarian operations.
In Goma, Congo, M23 rebels, believed to be backed by Rwanda, advanced into Walikale, a mineral-rich town, despite calls for a ceasefire from both the Congolese and Rwandan presidents. This violence marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict that has seen M23 rebels capture strategic locations, including Goma and Bukavu earlier this year. This latest advance occurred just after talks aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Qatar.
During the rebel’s incursion into Walikale on Wednesday, they took control of a critical route connecting several provinces in eastern Congo, undermining Congolese army positions. Residents reported heavy bombardments throughout the day followed by sporadic gunfire, with local civil society activist Fiston Misona expressing concern that the Congolese army had ceased effective resistance, stating the situation felt like a “sacrifice.”
The M23 insurgents, through a statement, claimed their entry into Walikale was to protect civilians from alleged attacks by the Congolese military, which they accused of indiscriminate bombings. They announced that Walikale had been “liberated,” while assuring their commitment to a ceasefire under the condition that civilian provocations are prevented.
Walikale is pivotal due to its rich resources, including major tin and gold deposits. The Bisie tin mine, crucial to the local economy, halted operations last week in response to the advancing rebel forces. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi expressed a willingness to negotiate mineral deals with the United States in exchange for security assistance, highlighting external geopolitical interests in the region.
The M23 revolt represents only one group among approximately 100 armed factions fighting for control in eastern Congo. This region is grappling with severe humanitarian crises, displacing over seven million people. An estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops allegedly support M23.
In response to the escalating violence, Doctors Without Borders reported being caught in the conflict, with hospitals and facilities coming under fire. The organization cautioned about a potential surge in casualties, indicating that recent violence has generated extreme distress among the civilian populace, leading to a mass exodus from Walikale.
The M23 rebels have intensified their operations in eastern Congo, capturing the town of Walikale against calls for a ceasefire, further complicating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict underscores the geopolitical complexities surrounding control over mineral resources, as local and international actors remain involved. The situation continues to pose serious threats to civilian safety and stability in the region, necessitating urgent attention and intervention from the international community.
Original Source: www.thespec.com
