M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have captured Walikale in eastern DRC, marking their furthest advance west. The seizure was almost unopposed and has led to mass evacuations as thousands seek safety. Diplomatic negotiations for peace are underway but face challenges, including recent EU sanctions. The conflict has heightened humanitarian concerns, displacing tens of thousands of residents.
Rwanda-supported M23 rebels have captured Walikale, a strategic mining town in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking their most significant advance westward. Media reports, citing local and security sources, indicate that the town was seized almost without resistance on a Wednesday, supported by the Rwandan military, as confirmed by Radio Okapi, the UN’s radio service in the DRC.
The occupation of Walikale reportedly follows a retreat of the DRC’s military forces, known as FARDC, to prevent civilian casualties. A military officer informed AFP that FARDC has relocated approximately 30 kilometers from Walikale. Local activism indicates at least seven injuries among civilians, with injured persons currently receiving treatment at the general hospital.
The seizure signifies the furthest advance of the M23 rebels into the DRC’s interior since the group initially emerged in 2012. This incident coincides with a recent call for a ceasefire made by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame during discussions held in Doha, Qatar.
Walikale, home to roughly 15,000 residents and situated northwest of Goma, has seen a mass exodus of inhabitants seeking safety in neighboring areas such as Kisangani. Reports indicate that thousands are fleeing the town as they try to escape impending violence, confirming sightings of M23 rebels throughout Walikale.
Previously, M23 captured additional territories, including Nyabiondo and Bukavu earlier this month, intensifying conflicts that have led to the evacuation of operations at the Bisie tin ore mine. The conflict has elicited increased diplomatic activity from neighboring countries and foreign powers, attempting to halt escalating tensions, viewed as the worst since the late 1990s.
The United Nations has accused Rwanda of aiding the M23 with arms and troops, although Rwanda has denied these claims. Expectations were set for direct negotiations between the DRC and M23 in Angola; however, M23 withdrew, citing European Union sanctions against leaders of the group. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, asserted, “We will fight until our cause is heard.”
The ongoing conflict has already resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands, underscoring a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region.
The capture of Walikale by M23 rebels marks a significant escalation of conflict in the eastern DRC, driven by support from Rwanda and resulting in civilian displacements. Diplomatic efforts for peace are ongoing, but previous talks have stalled due to sanctions and mistrust. The humanitarian impact continues to grow as thousands flee the violence, prompting international attention to resolve the crisis effectively.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
