M23 rebels have captured Walikale, a mining hub in eastern DRC, marking their furthest westward advance. Despite calls for a ceasefire from Congolese and Rwandan leaders, the situation deteriorates as thousands flee. The conflict has prompted international diplomatic efforts, with rising tensions over Rwanda’s alleged support for the rebels.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have successfully captured the strategic town of Walikale in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a significant mining hub in North Kivu province. Reports indicate that the rebels took the town on Wednesday with minimal resistance, largely supported by Rwandan military forces. Media sources, including the United Nations’ Radio Okapi, confirmed the seizure, noting the situation is dire for the local population.
Security sources have verified that the M23 now controls the center of Walikale, prompting a retreat by the Congolese military (FARDC) to avoid civilian casualties. An officer disclosed that FARDC troops had repositioned to approximately 30 kilometers away in Mubi. Civil society activists report multiple injuries among civilians, highlighting the consequences of the conflict on the local population.
The capture of Walikale marks the farthest westward advancement for the M23 since its emergence in 2012. This escalation has occurred shortly after a ceasefire was called for by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame during negotiations in Doha, Qatar. Walikale, with a population of around 15,000, is situated near key cities and highlights the M23’s increasing territorial ambition.
Witnesses have reported that many residents have begun fleeing the town, heading toward neighbouring Kisangani for safety. The ongoing violence has already disrupted mining operations, notably at Alphamin’s Bisie mine, affecting the global supply of tin ore. Regional and international diplomatic efforts are intensifying to mitigate the conflict, which the UN has classified as one of the worst in eastern DRC since the late 1990s.
Allegations of Rwandan support for M23 have been denied by Kigali, despite increasing scrutiny. A planned direct dialogue between the DRC and M23 was canceled, reflecting the complexities in resolving the conflict. M23 leaders have emphasized their determination to fight until their grievances are acknowledged, suggesting that ongoing talks may not satisfactorily address their concerns regarding local governance and power sharing.
The recent capture of Walikale by M23 rebels underscores the serious escalation of conflict in eastern DRC, revealing the dire impacts on local populations and the mining industry. As diplomatic efforts to establish a ceasefire struggle, the situation remains precarious amid ongoing violence and displacement. The ramifications of this conflict extend beyond the immediate region, prompting international concern and scrutiny regarding the underlying dynamics, including foreign involvement.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
