The DRC army halted M23 rebels’ advances on Walikale-Centre, restoring calm but leaving the area militarized. Displaced residents have fled to nearby villages. EAC and SADC ministers established a roadmap for resolving the conflict, including humanitarian access and ceasefire verification, while not directly citing Rwanda’s support for M23.
On March 17, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) army, in collaboration with its Wazalendo allies, successfully halted the M23 rebel group’s attempt to capture more towns, specifically Walikale-Centre. The offensive led the army to push the rebels back to a locality called Mpofi, located 52 kilometers from the center, averting further territorial advances. This military intervention followed an escalation of tensions in the area.
Following the conflict, calm was reported in Walikale-Centre by March 18; however, the town remains heavily fortified with minimal civilian presence observed. Many residents have fled toward bordering villages on the national highway that leads to Kisangani, including Losso, Mungele, Tingitingi, Lubutu Mubi, Ndjingala, Lobu, and Makana. These villages are providing refuge to those displaced by the recent violence.
In related developments, ministers of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened in Harare, Zimbabwe on March 17 to adopt a comprehensive roadmap aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC. Notably, the session did not implicate Rwanda for its alleged support of the M23 rebels, despite international observations.
The adopted roadmap outlines immediate and long-term measures, including facilitating direct military dialogue, establishing an unconditional ceasefire, and ensuring the safe passage of humanitarian agencies. Critical infrastructures, such as the Goma and Kavumu airports, are to become operational again, allowing for unhindered evacuation from conflict zones.
In addition, a joint verification mechanism involving SADC and EAC is to be established to oversee ceasefire efforts. There is a recommendation for enhanced international monitoring, possibly by allocating additional personnel to support the mechanisms already in place under the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
An assessment team, composed of 12 to 16 experts, will be formed to evaluate the security and humanitarian conditions in North and South Kivu provinces, focusing on vital infrastructure. This initiative responds to long-standing turbulence in the eastern DRC, intensified by historical grievances involving Rwanda, particularly following the aftermath of the 1994 genocide.
The situation in the DRC is characterized by decades of unrest rooted in regional dynamics, particularly influenced by Rwanda’s involvement and accusations of resource exploitation. The proactive measures suggested reflect a recognition of the need for a collaborative and systematic approach to alleviate escalating tensions and support the affected populations.
In summary, the DRC army successfully repelled an advance by M23 rebels, restoring partial calm to Walikale-Centre, though the area remains heavily militarized with many residents displaced. Concurrently, a roadmap was adopted by EAC and SADC ministers to facilitate peace negotiations and humanitarian access in Eastern DRC, notwithstanding Rwanda’s alleged involvement in supporting M23. Comprehensive strategies, including joint verification and technical evaluation initiatives, are essential to address the ongoing conflict and improve living conditions for affected communities.
Original Source: humanglemedia.com
