Rwanda-Backed Rebels Seize Walikale Amid Ceasefire Calls in Congo
M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, captured Walikale in eastern Congo amidst a call for ceasefire. Their control of this strategic town complicates military logistics for the Congolese army. Amid heightened violence and ongoing humanitarian crises, officials seek international collaboration to ensure regional stability.
In Goma, Congo, M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have captured the strategic town of Walikale, escalating the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. This advance occurs despite recent calls for an immediate ceasefire from the leaders of both Congo and Rwanda following discussions in Qatar. The M23 rebels previously seized significant locations such as Goma in January and Bukavu in February, intensifying the decades-long conflict.
Residents and civil society leaders reported the capture of Walikale late Wednesday, with rebels asserting that they had “liberated” the town. Control of Walikale grants the M23 militia crucial access to roads connecting four eastern provinces, severely hampering the Congolese army’s logistics. This situation comes amid a backdrop of heavy artillery fire and sporadic gunfire, leading to concerns for civilian safety in the area.
In response to military actions by the Congolese army, M23 stated that their incursion into Walikale was to shield civilians from alleged assaults. Their statement emphasized a commitment to a ceasefire but asserted that they would retaliate to any provocations, affirming their intention to act within international law. No immediate response was provided by the Congolese government regarding the developments.
Walikale is rich in mineral resources, notably tin and gold, with the Bisie tin mine being a key exporter. However, mining operations faced interruptions due to rebel advances. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi recently expressed willingness to negotiate mineral deals with the United States for security assistance, highlighting the geopolitical dimensions of the conflict.
The situation in eastern Congo is exacerbated by the presence of numerous armed groups and severe humanitarian crises, displacing over 7 million people. The M23 rebels, supported by Rwandan troops, pose a significant threat, with potential intentions to advance towards Kinshasa, the Congolese capital. The U.N. Human Rights Council has initiated investigations into atrocities committed by both parties amidst the unrest, and medical relief organizations like Doctors Without Borders are alarmed by the impact on civilian healthcare and safety, with facilities coming under fire in recent encounters.
The ongoing conflict involving Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo continues to escalate with the recent capture of Walikale, a mineral-rich town. Despite international calls for ceasefires, the violence persists, impacting civilians and halting critical mining operations. The geopolitical stake in the region remains high, with ongoing humanitarian crises and calls for accountability from the international community as the situation unfolds.
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