M23 Rebels Capture Walikale, Escalating Conflict in Eastern DRC

M23 rebels have seized Walikale, a strategic town in eastern DRC, supported by Rwanda, marking their furthest advance west since their emergence in 2012. Thousands are fleeing towards Kisangani as military forces retreat to avoid casualties. Diplomatic tensions persist with accusations of Rwandan support for M23, and the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate.

M23 rebels have successfully captured the town of Walikale in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking their most significant advance to the west. This operation took place amidst ongoing calls for a ceasefire from both the DRC and Rwanda. Local and security reports indicate that the capture of the mining hub in North Kivu province occurred with minimal resistance, reportedly supported by the Rwandan army.

The takeover of Walikale, which is approximately 125 kilometers northwest of Goma, marks a significant milestone for the M23 rebels as it is their farthest advance into the DRC’s interior since their emergence in 2012. Following the successful seizure, DRC military forces have stated that they retreated to avoid further casualties, with military personnel now situated 30 kilometers away in Mubi.

Civil society activist Fiston Misona reported seeing M23 rebels within the town and highlighted that there are at least seven wounded individuals currently receiving medical care at the general hospital. An M23 source confirmed their complete control over Walikale; however, the DRC military has not yet provided an update on the situation.

Al Jazeera correspondent Alain Uaykani reported that thousands of residents are fleeing towards the neighboring province of Kisangani seeking safety. Earlier in the month, M23 captured Nyabiondo city, and previous gains included Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. This escalation has already prompted mining companies such as Alphamin to halt operations in the area due to safety concerns.

Diplomatic efforts by neighboring countries and international powers are intensifying to address what has become the most severe conflict in eastern DRC since the 1998-2003 war. The United Nations has accused Rwanda of supplying arms and troops to M23, allegations which Kigali has denied. Although direct talks between the DRC and M23 were anticipated in Angola, M23 withdrew from the discussions, citing European Union sanctions as a hindrance.

Corneille Nangaa, a leader within the M23 coalition, expressed determination to continue fighting until their grievances are recognized, emphasizing that unresolved issues from the recent talks between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Qatar do not concern the M23.

The capture of Walikale by M23 rebels signifies a critical development in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. With continued territorial advances and the escalation of violence, significant humanitarian crises and displacement are emerging. Diplomatic negotiations remain in flux, compounded by accusations against Rwanda. The situation emphasizes the urgent need for effective intervention to curb the growing instability in the region.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com