The M23 rebel group has taken control of Walikale in eastern Congo, dismissing ceasefire calls from the Congolese and Rwandan leaders. The conflict remains rooted in historical tensions and battles over mineral wealth. The M23’s leader stated that their cause is independent of Rwandan influence and reiterated the need for direct talks with the Congolese government to find a resolution.
On Thursday, the leader of the M23 rebels explicitly dismissed calls for a ceasefire from both Kinshasa and Kigali. As the conflict escalated, his forces made significant territorial gains by capturing Walikale, a strategic town known for its mineral wealth, which is now under full control of the rebels. This development positions the M23 closer to major routes linking several eastern provinces and puts them within 400 kilometers of Kisangani, the fourth-largest city in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Walikale, a town populated by approximately 15,000 residents, has become a focal point of conflict, with reports indicating that fighting has resulted in at least seven injuries, as confirmed by a civil society activist. Meanwhile, the Congolese army did not respond to inquiries surrounding the situation.
In a recent meeting in Doha, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame urged for an immediate ceasefire. However, Corneille Nangaa, head of the M23 alliance, emphasized that their fight is independent of Rwanda’s influence, stating, “What happened in Doha…doesn’t concern us.”
The ongoing conflict, originating from historical tensions following Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, has escalated, marking eastern Congo’s most severe unrest since the late 1990s. M23 has effectively captured key locations in eastern Congo, including Goma and Bukavu, despite a backdrop of denials from Rwanda regarding their support of the rebel forces.
As negotiations between M23 and the Congolese government were anticipated, the rebels withdrew from potential talks, citing European Union sanctions as a detrimental factor. Nonetheless, Nangaa reiterated the necessity for direct dialogue with Kinshasa, highlighting that this approach is essential for achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He articulated the M23’s demands, which include halting the alleged persecution of Tutsis in Congo and addressing their governance concerns.
The M23 rebels’ dismissal of ceasefire calls and their capture of Walikale significantly heightens the tension in eastern Congo. The impasse in negotiations highlights the deep-rooted complexities of the conflict, which intertwines historical grievances and control over rich mineral resources. The M23’s insistence on direct dialogue could be pivotal in addressing ongoing grievances and seeking a resolution, underscoring the urgent need for a de-escalation of violence in the region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
