M23 rebels have captured Walikale, a key mining town in eastern DRC, marking their furtherest advance since emerging in 2012. The takeover was reportedly achieved with little resistance, causing thousands to flee in search of safety. Meanwhile, international diplomatic efforts are intensifying as the conflict persists, prompting concerns about humanitarian impacts and regional stability.
M23 rebels have recently captured Walikale, a significant mining town in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This marks the rebels’ furthest advance westward, occurring despite ongoing calls for a ceasefire from both the DRC and Rwanda. Local and security sources have reported that the town was taken almost without resistance, allegedly with backing from the Rwandan army, as per Radio Okapi, a UN radio service in the region.
The seizure of Walikale, which is situated in North Kivu province, was confirmed by security personnel to the AFP news agency. One source from the DRC military, known as FARDC, indicated a strategic retreat by government troops to minimize casualties, noting that they have repositioned approximately 30 kilometers from Walikale in Mubi. Civil society activist Fiston Misona also reported injuries among civilians, with multiple attendees at the general hospital after the conflict escalated.
As reported, M23 now exercises full control over Walikale, which consists of roughly 15,000 residents. This latest capture brings the rebels within 400 kilometers of Kisangani, DRC’s fourth-largest city, following prior occupations of significant locations including Goma and Bukavu. Recent developments further highlight an escalating humanitarian crisis, with thousands fleeing towards Kisangani to seek refuge from the violence.
The international community has escalated diplomatic initiatives to address the situation, marking it as the most severe conflict in eastern DRC since the war of 1998-2003. The United Nations has accused Rwanda of military support, a claim that Kigali contests. Although a direct dialogue between the DRC and M23 was anticipated, the group withdrew from the discussions citing EU sanctions. In an interview, M23 leader Corneille Nangaa emphasized, “We will fight until our cause is heard,” reflecting the ongoing tensions and unresolved issues stemming from the conflict.
The capture of Walikale by M23 rebels signifies a critical development in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, further complicating an already dire humanitarian situation. Amidst ongoing disputes and calls for peace, the future remains uncertain, as thousands of civilians flee violence and diplomatic efforts continue to address the crises. The region’s instability calls for urgent international attention and resolution.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
