Rwanda-backed M23 rebels entered Walikale, Congo, defying ceasefire calls from both Congolese and Rwandan leaders. The takeover disrupts control of vital roadways and has raised concerns over the Congolese army’s inability to respond. The region’s ongoing conflict is exacerbated by competition for mineral resources, affecting millions.
On Wednesday, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels entered Walikale, a strategically significant town in eastern Congo, despite recent calls for a ceasefire by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents. According to local sources, the rebels have confirmed their presence at vital locations within the town. Their control of Walikale enables them to seize a road that connects four provinces: North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema, effectively obstructing Congolese army positions.
Residents reported heavy artillery fire throughout the day, tapering off into sporadic gunfire by evening. Civil society leader Fiston Misona expressed concern over the Congolese army’s inaction, stating, “Our Congolese army is no longer fighting. It’s as if we were being sacrificed.”
This escalation follows a recent meeting between Congo and Rwandan presidents in Qatar aimed at negotiating an immediate ceasefire. Previous ceasefire talks had failed, particularly after the rebels withdrew following EU sanctions imposed on their leaders. The conflict in eastern Congo has intensified since January, marked by M23’s capture of Goma and Bukavu in earlier months.
The M23 is one of about 100 armed groups competing for dominance in eastern Congo, which is rich in minerals, leading to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises resulting in over seven million displaced individuals. The rebels reportedly receive support from approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops and have indicated ambitions to reach Kinshasa, Congo’s capital, positioned 1,600 kilometers eastward.
Last month, the U.N. Human Rights Council initiated a commission to investigate human rights abuses committed during the conflict, which includes severe allegations of violence from both factions. The Walikale region is notably rich in resources, housing the largest tin deposits in Congo and several prominent gold mines. Mining operations, particularly at the Bisie tin mine, have been temporarily suspended due to security threats from advancing rebels.
The M23 rebels’ incursion into Walikale highlights the fragility of the ceasefire negotiations between Congo and Rwanda. Despite international calls for peace, the conflict continues to escalate, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo. The region’s mineral wealth remains a contentious focal point, driving ongoing violence and displacing millions.
Original Source: apnews.com
