M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have captured the strategic town of Walikale in eastern Congo, despite calls for an immediate ceasefire from both the Congolese and Rwandan presidents. The conflict has escalated, following failed negotiations, and has severely impacted the humanitarian situation, with over seven million displaced individuals. Local reports indicate heavy fighting, and concerns over civilian safety and health are rising, demanding international scrutiny and intervention.
In Goma, Congo, the M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have captured another strategic town despite ongoing calls for a ceasefire by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents. The conflict in eastern Congo escalated dramatically in January, leading to the rebels seizing Goma and, subsequently, Bukavu. Recent fighting followed a meeting in Qatar where both presidents urged for an immediate ceasefire after failed ceasefire negotiations on Tuesday.
The M23 rebels entered Walikale late Wednesday, claiming to have liberated it. This town is strategically significant as it connects four provinces in eastern Congo, thereby compromising Congolese army positions. Residents reported heavy artillery fire throughout the day, which later turned into sporadic gunfire, indicating that the Congolese army had ceased effective resistance. Local civil society members expressed concern over the situation, stating, “Our Congolese army is no longer fighting.”
The M23 insurgents declared their commitment to a ceasefire, citing their incursion into Walikale was necessary to protect the local populace from alleged attacks by the Congolese army. They accused the armed forces of indiscriminately bombing populated areas. In a statement, the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23, affirmed their commitment to ceasefire unless provoked, reiterating their role in protecting civilians.
Walikale is rich in resources, notably tin and gold, with the Bisie tin mine significantly contributing to tin exports. Due to the advances of the rebels, the mining operator Alphamin Resources has suspended operations on-site. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi expressed a willingness to negotiate a deal with the United States concerning critical minerals in exchange for improved security, emphasizing the U.S.’s ability to ensure the control of armed groups.
The M23 rebels are among the approximately 100 armed groups competing for dominance in eastern Congo, a region synonymous with one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, resulting in over seven million displaced individuals. Reports suggest the M23 rebels have received support from around 4,000 Rwandan troops and have ambitions extending towards Kinshasa, the Congolese capital, located 1,600 kilometers away. The U.N. Human Rights Council has proposed a commission to investigate potential war crimes from both sides involved in the conflict.
The humanitarian situation in Walikale remains dire, with Doctors Without Borders reporting incidents of crossfire affecting their facilities. Explosions near the general hospital have raised concerns about a sudden increase in wounded. The aid organization noted that ongoing insecurity has instilled significant fear among the civilian population as many have fled in panic, creating a precarious situation in the region.
The situation in eastern Congo remains fraught with tension as M23 rebels continue to advance into strategic towns despite international calls for ceasefire. The ongoing conflict highlights the complex humanitarian crisis resulting from resource-rich territories and the involvement of external players like Rwanda. The potential for further escalation looms, necessitating urgent attention and intervention from the international community.
Original Source: www.newspressnow.com
