The M23 rebels in eastern DRC have captured Walikale, disregarding ceasefire calls from DRC and Rwanda. This conflict, rooted in historical tensions and resource competition, has escalated into a broader regional war. M23 demands direct talks with Kinshasa to address issues faced by Congolese Tutsis and governance improvements.
The M23 rebel group’s leader in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), supported by Rwanda, has dismissed calls for an immediate ceasefire by both Kinshasa and Kigali. The rebels continue to advance, recently seizing the strategic town of Walikale, which marks a significant point in their operations since their swift progression began in January, overtaking major urban areas in eastern DRC.
Walikale, home to approximately 15,000 residents, is situated in a mineral-rich region and connects four eastern provinces. Its capture has placed the M23 rebels within a mere 400 kilometers of Kisangani, a crucial city with an important port along the Congo River. This ongoing conflict, exacerbated by historical grievances and competition over resources, is shaping into a broader regional conflict involving troops from Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Following a summit in Qatar, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame called for a ceasefire; however, M23 leader Corneille Nangaa expressed that the request was irrelevant to their objectives. He stated, “We are Congolese who are fighting for a cause.”
The United Nations and analysts have indicated that Rwanda’s provision of military support to the M23 rebels underscores the complexity of the situation, although Rwanda has refuted these claims, insisting its actions are defensive. Anticipated direct talks between the DRC government and M23 were set for Tuesday in Angola, but the rebels withdrew, citing sanctions imposed by the European Union as a factor.
Nangaa has emphasized the necessity of direct dialogue with Kinshasa to address the ongoing strife, advocating for an end to the perceived persecution of Tutsis in the DRC, as well as calls for improvements in governance. “We demand that if there is a dialogue, it be a direct dialogue,” he asserted, highlighting M23’s commitment to a peaceful resolution.
The situation in eastern DRC remains precarious as M23 rebels continue their military campaign, dismissing calls for a ceasefire by both DRC and Rwanda. With the capture of Walikale, the conflict is drawing regional attention and evolving into a larger war involving neighboring countries. Calls for direct dialogue have been made by the M23, underscoring the urgent need for peace negotiations to address long-standing grievances and the humanitarian implications of this conflict.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
