M23 Rebels Announce Withdrawal from Walikale to Support Peace Initiatives

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have announced their plan to withdraw from Walikale to support peace efforts in eastern Congo. This follows their earlier actions of maintaining troops in the area. The Congolese government and military express skepticism regarding this move, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace amid entrenched conflicts.

The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, announced its intention to withdraw from the seized town of Walikale, supporting ongoing peace efforts in eastern Congo. This development follows the group’s prior decision to maintain troops in Walikale while advancing towards the capital. The Congolese government expressed hope that this announcement would lead to tangible actions after M23’s last-minute withdrawal from peace talks due to EU sanctions affecting some of its leaders.

The Congo River Alliance, which encompasses M23, confirmed the repositioning of forces from Walikale, aligning with a ceasefire declared in February. This statement was met with skepticism by military officials, who noted that M23’s repositioning does not necessarily guarantee withdrawal. A senior alliance member emphasized that the repositioning aims to “give peace a chance,” yet did not provide details on the rebels’ new location.

Foreign Affairs Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner stated that the government is watching to see if M23’s actions will translate into a genuine commitment to dialogue and peace. The Congo army has not responded to requests for comment, although some officers expressed doubts regarding M23’s sincerity in withdrawing. Reports suggest M23 is advancing towards Mubi despite facing logistical challenges due to disrupted supplies.

The capture of Walikale places the M23 rebels significantly closer to Kisangani, Congo’s fourth-largest city, intensifying the ongoing conflict rooted in historical tensions and competition for resources. Numerous attempts at peace, including ceasefires and regional dialogues, have been compromised. The United Nations and Western governments hold Rwanda accountable for supporting M23, a claim that Rwanda denies, asserting self-defense against the Congolese army.

In conclusion, the M23 rebels’ announced withdrawal from Walikale is a strategic maneuver intended to align with peace initiatives amid ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. Although the Congolese government hopes for concrete action following this declaration, military skepticism persists regarding the rebels’ commitment. Ultimately, the complex historical context and regional dynamics complicate the path towards a sustainable resolution in this troubled region.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com