Rwanda-backed M23 rebels entered the town of Walikale, Congo, defying a ceasefire call from Congolese and Rwandan leaders. The control of Walikale disrupts key transport links among several provinces. Heavy fighting continues amidst a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced. The escalating conflict highlights the region’s critical mineral wealth and the involvement of Rwandan troops, raising global concerns and calls for investigations into human rights violations.
On Wednesday, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels entered the key town of Walikale in eastern Congo, as confirmed by local residents and civil society leaders. This incursion occurred just one day after leaders from both Congo and Rwanda called for an immediate ceasefire. Prince Kihangi, a former provincial deputy, noted, “The information is confirmed: the rebels are visible at the monument and at the Bakusu group office,” highlighting their presence in the town’s center.
The M23 rebels’ control over Walikale disrupts a vital roadway that connects four provinces: North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema, severely impacting the Congolese army’s operational capabilities. Fiston Misona, a civil society activist, reported ongoing heavy artillery fire throughout the day, which transitioned to sporadic gunfire by evening. He remarked, “Our Congolese army is no longer fighting; it’s as if we were being sacrificed.”
Despite the absence of commentary from the M23 or the Congolese government, the violence escalated following discussions between the presidents of Congo and Rwanda in Qatar, which aimed for a ceasefire. This meeting came after failed attempts to negotiate peace on Tuesday, with the rebels withdrawing after the European Union announced sanctions against their leaders.
The conflict in eastern Congo has significantly intensified since January with the M23 rebels capturing Goma and subsequently Bukavu in February. Among approximately 100 armed groups vying for control in this resource-rich region, M23 is reportedly supported by around 4,000 Rwandan troops, raising concerns over their potential advance toward the Congolese capital, Kinshasa.
The U.N. Human Rights Council has initiated a commission to investigate violations, including allegations of sexual violence and extrajudicial killings. The Walikale area, home to vast mineral resources such as tin and gold, is crucial for Congo’s economy. The Bisie tin mine, situated near Walikale, recently suspended operations due to the rebel incursion, impacting the region’s significant tin exports.
The M23 rebels’ recent takeover of Walikale underscores a continuing cycle of violence in eastern Congo, despite attempts for a ceasefire by regional leaders. The strategic importance of this town, coupled with its rich mineral resources, elevates the tensions between armed groups and the Congolese government, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions. The international community’s attention and the United Nations’ investigations into human rights abuses highlight the need for urgent resolutions in this volatile region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
