The DRC army successfully halted M23 rebels’ advance on Walikale-Centre on March 17, restoring temporary calm but leaving the area heavily militarized. Displaced civilians are seeking refuge in nearby villages. In tandem, EAC and SADC ministers adopted a conflict resolution roadmap in Zimbabwe, addressing hostilities and humanitarian needs while not directly implicating Rwanda’s role in the conflict.
Recent tensions in Walikale-Centre, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), escalated as M23 rebels attempted to capture the area. However, the DRC army, with support from their Wazalendo allies, successfully repelled the rebels, pushing them back to Mpofi on March 17. Military reinforcement from Bunia was crucial in halting rebel advances toward Mutakato, ensuring temporary peace in the region.
Calm returned by March 18, although the area remains heavily militarized, with many civilians displaced. Residents are moving to nearby villages on the national highway towards Kisangani, including Losso, Mungele, Tingitingi, Lubutu Mubi, Ndjingala, Lobu, and Makana, as a precautionary measure. The significant civilian evacuation highlights ongoing concerns for safety in Walikale.
In related developments, ministers from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened in Harare, Zimbabwe, on March 17 to establish a roadmap for conflict resolution in Eastern DRC. This meeting followed a postponed schedule from February 28 and aimed at addressing the ongoing M23 rebellion without directly implicating Rwanda.
The adopted roadmap outlines short- and long-term measures, including direct military dialogue to facilitate an unconditional ceasefire and halt territorial expansions. It emphasizes the importance of allowing humanitarian agencies free movement and reopening critical infrastructure such as Goma and Kavumu airports.
To monitor compliance, a joint SADC-EAC verification mechanism will be established. This aims to oversee the cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access, incorporating existing international mechanisms. Additionally, a technical evaluation team, consisting of 12 to 16 experts from military and governmental backgrounds, will assess security and humanitarian conditions across North and South Kivu.
While the joint communique did not mention Rwandan support for M23, various United Nations reports indicate ongoing Rwandan military involvement in the conflict. The historical context of turmoil in Eastern DRC, linked to tensions post-Rwandan genocide, underscores the complex dynamics at play, particularly regarding resource control allegations against Rwanda.
The DRC army, assisted by Wazalendo allies, successfully halted M23 attacks on Walikale-Centre, pushing rebels back to Mpofi. Displaced residents are fleeing to nearby villages seeking safety. Meanwhile, a roadmap was established through EAC and SADC ministerial discussions to address the conflict, incorporating immediate measures for dialogue, humanitarian access, and monitoring efforts. The ongoing unrest in Eastern DRC, influenced by complex regional ties to Rwanda, continues to challenge stability and security in the region.
Original Source: humanglemedia.com
