The DRC Army successfully repelled M23 rebels’ advances towards Walikale-Centre on March 17. Following military reinforcements, calm returned but the area remains heavily militarized. Concurrently, EAC and SADC ministers outlined a roadmap for resolving conflicts in Eastern DRC, although Rwanda was not directly linked to supporting M23. Immediate measures emphasize dialogue, ceasefire, and humanitarian access as critical to peace efforts.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Army, along with its allies, successfully halted advances made by M23 rebels toward Walikale-Centre on March 17. Military reinforcement from Bunia was instrumental in pushing the rebels back to Mpofi, which is located 52 kilometers from the center. The situation led to a temporary return to calm by March 18, although the area remains highly militarized and civilian presence is scarce.
Many residents have fled the conflict towards nearby villages situated along the national highway leading to Kisangani. These villages include Losso, Mungele, Tingitingi, Lubutu Mubi, Ndjingala, Lobu, and Makana, located on the borders of North Kivu and Maniema. The displacement reflects the ongoing tensions and marks a significant humanitarian crisis in the region.
In a related development, ministers from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened in Harare, Zimbabwe, on March 17 to establish a roadmap aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC. Notably, the discussions abstained from directly linking Rwanda to the support of M23 rebels. This roadmap is anticipated to facilitate direct dialogue among conflicting parties, lead to a cessation of hostilities, and ensure the accessibility of humanitarian assistance.
The proposed measures must be implemented within 30 days and include crucial steps such as opening Goma and Kavumu airports and instituting an unconditional ceasefire. Additionally, a joint verification mechanism is envisioned to oversee these initiatives with the backing of SADC and EAC.
Experts in military operations, logistics, and infrastructure are expected to form a technical evaluation team, assessing the humanitarian state and vital infrastructures in North Kivu and South Kivu. Despite the communique’s failure to acknowledge Rwanda’s involvement, multiple UN reports suggest that Rwandan forces continue to operate alongside M23 rebels, aiming to secure territorial gains in North Kivu.
The eastern DRC has been embroiled in conflict for decades, with its tumultuous situation exacerbated post-Rwandan genocide in 1994. The DRC maintains that Rwanda’s actions are driven by resource acquisition ambitions, heightening tensions between the two nations.
In summary, military actions by the DRC Army have temporarily halted the M23 rebels’ advances, returning a measure of calm to Walikale-Centre. However, the ongoing humanitarian crisis necessitates urgent responses, as many residents seek refuge in surrounding villages. The recent EAC and SADC meeting in Harare outlines a strategic approach for conflict resolution while sidestepping direct accusations against Rwanda, despite credible reports of its military support for M23. Efforts to stabilize the region continue amidst a backdrop of historical and geopolitical complexities.
Original Source: humanglemedia.com
