Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have taken control of the strategic town of Walikale in eastern Congo, despite calls for an immediate ceasefire from leaders of Congo and Rwanda. The conflict intensifies a humanitarian crisis, with over seven million people displaced and significant mineral resources at stake, including tin and gold.
On Wednesday, M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, entered the mineral-rich town of Walikale in eastern Congo, defying requests for a ceasefire from both Congolese and Rwandan presidents. Local sources confirm the rebels’ presence at key locations within the town, including a monument and the Bakusu group office, signifying a strategic takeover. This acquisition grants M23 control over a crucial road that connects four eastern provinces, impacting Congolese army positions significantly.
Civil society activists report ongoing conflict in the area, with heavy artillery fire audible throughout the day, eventually giving way to sporadic gunfire in the evening. A local activist expressed concern, stating, “Our Congolese army is no longer fighting. It’s as if we were being sacrificed,” underlining the desperation felt by residents amid the escalating violence and the lack of response from both the Congolese government and the M23.
The escalation in hostilities occurs shortly after the leaders of Congo and Rwanda held discussions in Qatar, advocating for an immediate ceasefire following failed negotiations between the government and M23 leaders. Previous talks had been disrupted, with the rebels withdrawing after recent sanctions were imposed by the European Union on their leaders.
The conflict in eastern Congo has intensified since January, when M23 rebels captured the strategic city of Goma and subsequently Bukavu. As one of over 100 armed factions operating in the region, M23 has exacerbated a dire humanitarian situation, displacing over seven million people amid fighting for control over the area’s extensive mineral resources.
The ongoing insurgency by M23 rebels in Walikale exemplifies the complex and protracted conflict in eastern Congo, fueled by external support and the pursuit of valuable resources. Despite attempts for dialogue and ceasefire, the situation remains precarious, with significant humanitarian consequences and a notable impact on local economies reliant on mining. The international community’s involvement, including U.N. investigation efforts and European Union sanctions, continues to play a critical role in addressing this crisis.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
