Rwanda-Backed M23 Rebels Enter Walikale, Ignoring Ceasefire Calls

M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, entered Walikale, Congo, defying a ceasefire call from the region’s presidents. The takeover disrupts key transport routes and raises humanitarian concerns. The situation escalates in the context of ongoing military conflict, with serious implications for the area’s mineral resources and local stability.

The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have breached the mineral-rich town of Walikale in eastern Congo, defying ceasefire calls from both Congolese and Rwandan presidents. Witnesses confirm the rebels’ presence at key locations in the town, suggesting a significant takeover. This move disrupts crucial transport links among four provinces: North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema, thereby jeopardizing Congolese military positions.

Despite heavy artillery fire throughout the day, reports indicated a shift to sporadic gunfire by evening. A civil society activist expressed grave concerns over the apparent absence of fighting by the Congolese army, likening the situation to a sacrifice. There has yet to be an official response from either the M23 forces or the Congolese government.

This escalation follows a recent ceasefire proposal made by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame during talks in Qatar. These discussions occurred after unsuccessful negotiations aimed at reconciling the Congolese government with M23 representatives. Previously, the rebels had withdrawn from the talks after the European Union imposed sanctions on their leaders.

Since January, the eastern Congo conflict has intensified with M23’s ascendancy, previously taking control of Goma and Bukavu in preceding months. M23 is one of approximately 100 armed factions contesting control of eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals, which has experienced devastating humanitarian implications, displacing over 7 million individuals. A U.N. report estimates that around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers bolster the M23 rebels, who have threatened to advance to Congo’s capital, Kinshasa.

The Walikale area hosts vast deposits of tin and gold, with the Bisie tin mine being of particular note for its significant export contribution. Last week, Alphamin Resources announced a suspension of operations at the mine due to the advancing rebels, highlighting the escalating impact on local mining activities.

In summary, the entry of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels into Walikale marks a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The implications for regional stability and humanitarian crises are severe, as the area is not only strategically important but also rich in valuable minerals which are now vulnerable to exploitation and conflict. Both military and international diplomatic efforts remain crucial in addressing the deepening crisis.

Original Source: apnews.com