M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have captured Walikale in eastern Congo despite ceasefire calls. The conflict escalated after their earlier conquests in Goma and Bukavu. The situation remains dire as rebel forces justify their actions as protective measures for civilians amidst ongoing violence and humanitarian crises.
The M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, have intensified their advance into eastern Congo, recently seizing the mineral-rich town of Walikale, despite recent calls for a ceasefire from the presidents of Congo and Rwanda. Tensions escalated sharply following the capture of Goma in January and Bukavu in February by the M23 faction. The Congolese and Rwandan leaders had convened in Qatar to urgently discuss a halt to hostilities, but their efforts have thus far been fruitless as fighting persists.
Residents reported that M23 forces entered Walikale late Wednesday, claiming to have liberated the town. Control of Walikale significantly boosts the rebels’ strategic position as it connects four key provinces – North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema – essentially isolating Congolese military positions. Meanwhile, heavy exchanges of artillery fire were noted throughout the day, leading to growing fears as the local population faced increasing violence.
In their latest statement, the M23 insurgents professed their commitment to a ceasefire but justified their occupation of Walikale by alleging it was necessary to protect civilians from attacks by Congolese forces. They accused the army of indiscriminate bombings and indicated their readiness to respond to further provocations, while simultaneously asserting their intent to uphold a ceasefire in accordance with international law. No official response has yet been issued by the Congolese government regarding the situation.
The Walikale region is notably rich in mineral resources, including the Bisie tin mine, which is crucial for tin exports from North Kivu. Recently, the mine’s operator, Alphamin Resources, announced a temporary halt in operations due to the escalating conflict. In discussions with the United States, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi expressed interest in establishing agreements on critical minerals, proposing U.S. involvement to stabilize security in the region.
M23 operates amidst a broader context of conflict involving approximately 100 armed groups, which have caused one of the most significant humanitarian crises globally, displacing over 7 million individuals. U.N. experts have reported that around 4,000 Rwandan troops support M23 efforts, contributing to fears over a potential advance towards Kinshasa, the Congolese capital. The recent atrocities have prompted the U.N. Human Rights Council to launch an investigative commission into human rights violations by both factions.
Medical organizations like Doctors Without Borders have reported being caught in the crossfire, highlighting severe risks to healthcare facilities amid the ongoing violence in Walikale. The deteriorating security situation has led to widespread panic, with many residents fleeing the town, heightening concerns about potential humanitarian implications as injuries from conflict increase.
In summary, the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, marked by the M23 rebels’ recent capture of Walikale, highlights the stark realities faced by civilians amidst failed ceasefire negotiations. The strategic significance of Walikale, along with its mineral wealth, exacerbates the tensions between armed groups and the Congolese army, raising critical humanitarian concerns. The international community, particularly the U.N. and the U.S., may need to intervene to address the escalating violence and support peace efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.thespec.com
