M23 rebels in eastern Congo dismissed ceasefire calls, capturing the strategic town of Walikale. The conflict, driven by historical and resource-related tensions, is evolving into a regional confrontation. The M23 emphasized the necessity for direct dialogue with Kinshasa to address ongoing grievances.
The M23 rebel group in eastern Congo, backed by Rwanda, has disregarded calls for an immediate ceasefire from both Kinshasa and Kigali, asserting that it is of no concern to them. This declaration follows their capture of Walikale, a strategic town marking their most extensive territorial advance in recent months. The conflict, significantly fueled by historical tensions originating from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and a competition for mineral wealth, has escalated and is drawing in multiple neighboring countries.
Walikale, with a population of approximately 15,000, fell to the M23 rebels after intense fighting with Congolese army forces and allied militias. The town is strategically located in a mineral-rich area and is a corridor connecting four provinces in eastern Congo, positioning the rebels within close proximity to Kisangani, the country’s fourth-largest city. Experts suggest that the ongoing conflict could escalate into a broader regional war as military involvements from Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi continue.
In response to the ceasefire call made during a summit in Doha, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the M23 leadership remained resolute. Corneille Nangaa, head of the Congo River Alliance, emphasized that the M23 is comprised of Congolese fighters advocating for their cause, dismissing the significance of the ceasefire. He stressed the need for clarity in negotiations, stating, “What happened in Doha, as long as we do not know the details… we will say it does not concern us.”
Although the United Nations and other international authorities accuse Rwanda of supplying support to the M23, the Rwandan government denies these allegations, stating that its military actions are defensive. The anticipated direct talks between the Congolese government and M23 were disrupted when the latter withdrew, citing sanctions from the European Union against their leaders. Nonetheless, Nangaa reiterated the necessity of a peace dialogue, asserting that it must be direct to effectively address the underlying issues, particularly the treatment of Tutsis in Congo.
The M23 rebels’ recent military advancements and rejection of ceasefire calls illustrate the complexities of the conflict in eastern Congo. With external influences and historical grievances shaping the narrative, the prospect for peace remains precarious. It is imperative that effective dialogue takes place directly between the conflicting parties to forge a path towards stability and governance improvements in the region.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
