Rwanda-backed rebels have advanced into Walikale, a mineral-rich town in Congo, defying ceasefire calls from Congo and Rwanda’s presidents. This action contributes to an ongoing conflict that has seen over 7 million displaced. The situation is dire, with medical facilities at risk and urgent calls for international intervention as humanitarian crises escalate.
In the eastern region of Congo, Rwanda-backed rebels have made significant advances, seizing the strategically important and mineral-rich town of Walikale. This escalation disregards recent calls for a ceasefire from both the Congolese and Rwandan presidents following diplomatic discussions in Qatar. The M23 rebel group’s actions amplify the ongoing tensions in a long-standing conflict that has intensified this year, particularly after capturing the city of Goma in January and Bukavu in February.
The capture of Walikale is critical as it controls a vital road connecting four provinces: North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema, effectively isolating Congolese army positions. Residents reported heavy artillery fire on Wednesday, which transitioned to sporadic gunfire later in the day. Fiston Misona, a civil society activist in Walikale, expressed grave concerns regarding the Congolese army’s apparent inaction, implying that citizens are being left vulnerable in this conflict.
Walikale is home to Congo’s largest tin deposits and significant gold mines, including the Bisie tin mine, which constitutes the primary source of tin exports for North Kivu province. However, the operator of this mine recently announced a suspension of operations due to the rebel offensive. In a bid for cooperation, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi expressed willingness to negotiate a critical minerals deal with the United States, hoping for U.S. support to curb the armed groups operating within the region.
The M23 is one among approximately 100 armed factions competing for control over resources in eastern Congo, where the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, displacing over 7 million individuals. Notably, reports indicate that the rebels are supported by around 4,000 troops from Rwanda and have previously voiced plans to advance towards Kinshasa, the capital of Congo.
Amidst the ongoing violence, the U.N. Human Rights Council has initiated an investigation into allegations of severe human rights abuses by both sides. Medical organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, have experienced the direct impact of the conflict, with their facilities damaged during recent clashes. MSF expressed alarm over potential new casualties as the conflict continues to instill fear within the local populace, prompting displacement and panic.
As the situation remains precarious, with no immediate response from the M23 or Congolese government, the impact on civilians and essential services looms severe, demanding urgent international attention and intervention.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, marked by the M23 rebels’ seizure of Walikale, poses grave threats to civilians and essential infrastructure. Despite calls for a ceasefire and international dialogue, violence escalates, threatening major mineral resources and exacerbating an already severe humanitarian crisis. The urgent need for intervention highlights the complexity of regional conflicts intertwined with resource control and human rights violations.
Original Source: halifax.citynews.ca
