Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have entered Walikale, Congo, defying ceasefire calls from the leaders of Congo and Rwanda. Their advance seizes strategic control over key routes, impacting military positions and mining operations. Local activists express despair at the Congolese army’s inaction amid escalating violence, as humanitarian crises deepen with millions displaced.
On Wednesday, M23 rebels, purportedly supported by Rwanda, entered the mineral-rich town of Walikale in eastern Congo, despite a call for an immediate ceasefire from the presidents of Congo and Rwanda. According to local leaders, the rebels were confirmed to be present at significant local sites, indicating their control over Walikale, which serves as a key road junction linking four eastern provinces: North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema.
The situation escalated as heavy artillery fire was reported throughout the day, transitioning to sporadic gunfire in the evening, with local civil society activists expressing concerns over the Congolese army’s lack of response. One activist remarked on the perceived abandonment by the army, stating, “It’s as if we were being sacrificed.”
These developments followed a meeting between the leaders of Congo and Rwanda in Qatar, where they advocated for an urgent, unconditional ceasefire after previous ceasefire negotiation attempts failed. The M23 rebels had withdrawn from proposed discussions following the announcement of EU sanctions against their leadership.
The conflict in eastern Congo has surged significantly since the M23’s takeover of Goma and Bukavu earlier this year. With over seven million individuals displaced, M23 represents one of nearly one hundred armed groups vying for control in this resource-rich region, bolstered by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops. Their ambitions include extending their reach to Congo’s capital, Kinshasa.
The U.N. Human Rights Council has initiated an investigation into reported atrocities committed by both factions, including severe allegations such as rape and extrajudicial killings. Moreover, the Walikale area is notable for its substantial mineral resources, including considerable tin and gold deposits; operations at the Bisie tin mine have already been suspended amidst the conflict.
The M23 rebels’ incursion into Walikale marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, highlighting the tension between local military forces and rebel groups supported by Rwanda. The situation remains dire, with severe humanitarian implications for the displaced populations and the mining operations in the region being severely affected. Unresolved ceasefire discussions further exacerbate the instability, requiring urgent international attention and intervention.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
