M23 Fighters Capture Walikale in DR Congo Amid Ceasefire Attempts

The M23 armed group has taken control of Walikale, DR Congo, despite ceasefire efforts. This advancement raises alarm regarding regional stability and significantly impacts local mining operations. Recent talks between Congolese and Rwandan leaders in Doha aimed to establish a ceasefire, yet conditions remain unsettled, and historical attempts at peace have been unsuccessful.

The M23 armed group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, has seized the town of Walikale in the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite ongoing initiatives to secure a ceasefire. This capture represents a significant advancement westward for the group, which has been active since 2012. Local military sources report that the town, with a population of approximately 60,000, fell late on Wednesday, compelling Congolese forces to retreat to nearby Mubi, located about 30 kilometers away.

The escalation follows a meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, held in Doha, where both leaders expressed support for a ceasefire. However, terms for any agreement remain uncertain, as further negotiations have been deemed necessary by the mediator, Qatar. An officer from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s military confirmed the takeover, and related fighting continues to impede operations at Alphamin’s tin mine, driving up tin prices due to supply chain concerns.

Civil society representatives noted the presence of M23 fighters in Walikale, with one resident reporting armed groups observed near their home. Doctors Without Borders indicated that their base was caught in crossfire during the conflict, raising concerns about the potential influx of injured individuals in the coming days. The fighters’ rapid advance has raised alarms about instability in the mineral-rich eastern region, as they control strategic points in North and South Kivu, exacerbating fears of broader regional conflict.

Accusations directed at Rwanda by the DRC government assert that it supports the M23 to exploit the area’s mineral wealth. While Rwanda denies military involvement, a UN report suggests that as many as 4,000 Rwandan troops are aiding the M23 in eastern Congo. The discussions in Doha came after failed prior peace talks scheduled in Luanda, underscoring previous attempts at truces that have repeatedly faltered since 2021. Analysts suggest that although Kagame’s participation in talks indicates an acknowledgment of Rwanda’s involvement, the M23 currently lacks a defined negotiating agenda to pursue peace.

In summary, the M23 group’s capture of Walikale highlights the ongoing violence and instability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, despite attempts at mediation for a ceasefire. The seizure not only threatens security in the region but also disrupts crucial mining operations impacting global tin supplies. With Rwanda accused of backing the M23 and the lack of a clear negotiating framework, the situation remains precarious, signaling potential escalation in conflicts over resource control.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr