M23 rebels have captured Walikale, a strategic town in eastern DRC, despite ceasefire calls. The takeover has led to significant civilian displacement as thousands flee, seeking refuge. The situation remains fluid as international diplomatic efforts intensify to address the ongoing conflict amid accusations of external support for the rebels.
M23 rebels, backed by the Rwandan army, have successfully captured Walikale, a key mining town in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This development occurs despite calls for a ceasefire from both the DRC and Rwanda. Local and security sources confirm that the rebels seized the town with little resistance, marking their furthest advance west since their emergence in 2012.
The local military, FARDC, acknowledged their retreat to avoid further casualties, with one officer noting they are now located approximately 30 kilometers away. Civil society activist Fiston Misona reported visible rebel presence in the town, with multiple injuries requiring hospitalization. The situation has not been addressed publicly by the FARDC.
The takeover of Walikale, which houses a population of about 15,000, places M23 within a strategic distance of major urban centers in the DRC, including Kisangani. Reports indicate that thousands are fleeing towards Kisangani for safety. Previous M23 advances included capturing Nyabiondo and Bukavu this month, exacerbating the regional unrest and prompting mining companies to cease operations in the area.
International diplomatic efforts are intensifying to mediate the escalating conflict, which has been labeled as the worst in the region since the late 1990s. The United Nations has cited evidence of Rwanda’s support for the M23, a claim that has been vigorously denied by Rwandan officials.
Although there were expectations for direct negotiations between the DRC and M23, the latter’s withdrawal from the talks due to EU sanctions has complicated peace efforts. Corneille Nangaa, a representative for M23, emphasized their commitment to fighting until their concerns are addressed, underscoring the ongoing volatility of the situation.
The capture of Walikale by M23 rebels marks a significant escalation in the conflict within eastern DRC, causing widespread displacement and prompting international diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation. The support of neighboring countries, alongside the continued fighting and hostility, complicates prospects for peace. M23’s commitment to their cause, coupled with the strategic implications of territorial advances, poses a challenge to regional stability.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
