M23 rebels have seized Walikale, a key mining town in eastern DRC, marking their furthest westward advance since 2012. The takeover occurred with little resistance, supported by Rwandan forces, amidst ongoing calls for a ceasefire. Thousands are fleeing the conflict area, with significant humanitarian implications as economic activities cease. The situation remains tense, complicating potential diplomatic resolutions.
The M23 rebel group has captured Walikale, a significant mining town in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This advancement marks the group’s furthest westward reach since its emergence in 2012. Reports from local media and security agencies indicated that the rebels took control of the town on Wednesday with minimal resistance, reportedly backed by Rwandan forces. Security sources confirmed that the DRC military retreated to avoid further casualties, as they are now stationed approximately 30km away from Walikale.
According to local residents and activists, the M23 fighters are visibly present in the center of Walikale, with reports of multiple civilians injured. The situation has escalated since the group’s capture of the nearby city of Nyabiondo earlier this month, raising concerns over the ongoing conflict. The significant seizure of Walikale, coupled with M23’s previous captures, puts the group alarmingly close to strategic locations in eastern DRC, further intensifying regional instability.
The town of Walikale, with a population of around 15,000, is located 125km southwest of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, and within distance of Kisangani, the country’s fourth-largest city. As the conflict increases, thousands of residents have begun fleeing towards safer areas. Additionally, the escalation has prompted the mining company Alphamin to suspend operations at its key Bisie mine, highlighting the economic impact of the hostilities.
International diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have intensified, particularly following a call for a ceasefire issued by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Qatar. Despite these efforts, M23 has refused to engage in direct talks with the DRC government, citing sanctions against its leadership as a barrier. The ongoing hostilities have displaced tens of thousands, drawing parallels to earlier conflicts in the region.
The capture of Walikale by M23 rebels signifies a critical development in the ongoing conflict in the DRC, further amplifying the humanitarian crisis and the destabilization of eastern regions. As international parties push for diplomatic solutions, the conflict’s resilience remains, with the M23 declining to engage in negotiations. The situation underscores the dire need for effective conflict resolution and support for displaced populations.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
