M23 rebels backed by Rwanda have taken control of Walikale, Congo, defying recent ceasefire calls. This strategic town’s capture disrupts Congolese army positions and highlights ongoing conflict in mineral-rich eastern Congo. The situation poses threats to local security and exacerbates a significant humanitarian crisis.
On Wednesday evening, M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, took control of Walikale, a strategic town in eastern Congo, in violation of recent calls for a ceasefire. Residents and civil society leaders have confirmed the visibility of the rebels in key locations within the town, indicating a significant advance in their offensive. Prince Kihangi, a local leader, stated, “This confirms the presence of the M23 in the territorial capital.”
The capture of Walikale allows M23 to control a crucial road connecting four provinces—North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema—thereby disrupting Congolese army positions. Fiston Misona, a civil society activist, reported ongoing heavy artillery fire and remarked, “Our Congolese army is no longer fighting; it’s as if we were being sacrificed.”
The surge in conflict follows a recent meeting between the presidents of Congo and Rwanda, which sought an immediate and unconditional ceasefire after previous negotiations failed. This incident marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict that has persisted for decades, exacerbated by Rwanda’s support for M23.
The M23 conflict is part of a larger struggle involving around 100 armed groups vying for control over eastern Congo’s mineral wealth, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 7 million people. The presence of approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops has amplified tensions, and the rebels have expressed intentions to advance further toward Kinshasa, the capital city of Congo.
Amidst these developments, the U.N. Human Rights Council has initiated a commission to investigate war crimes and human rights abuses, which include allegations of brutal killings and sexual violence perpetrated by both sides of the conflict. The Walikale region, rich in minerals such as tin and gold, recently witnessed operational halts, particularly at the Bisie tin mine, due to the conflict.
In summary, the entry of M23 rebels into Walikale highlights the ongoing volatility in eastern Congo, defying emerging calls for a ceasefire from regional leaders. The situation poses an acute threat to local security and exacerbates an already dire humanitarian crisis, further complicated by the international community’s efforts to address human rights violations. The stability of the region remains precarious as numerous armed groups contest control over its valuable mineral resources.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
