M23 rebels in eastern Congo have captured the strategic town of Walikale and rejected ceasefire calls from Congolese and Rwandan leaders. The conflict, deeply rooted in historical tensions and competition over resources, threatens to escalate into a regional war. The M23 insists on direct talks with Kinshasa to resolve the ongoing violence and grievances against Tutsis in Congo.
On Thursday, the leader of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo, Corneille Nangaa, disregarded calls for an immediate ceasefire from Kinshasa and Kigali, asserting that such appeals “do not concern us.” His forces recently intensified their advance by capturing the strategic town of Walikale, which marks their most western position since January. The town, home to approximately 15,000 residents, fell to the rebels following intense fighting with Congolese soldiers and allied militias.
The ongoing conflict, which stems from the repercussions of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition for mineral resources, has escalated into one of the most severe conflicts in eastern Congo since the war from 1998 to 2003. This ongoing violence is drawing in troops from Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, prompting analysts to caution that the situation may be evolving into a broader regional war.
Nestor Mavudisa, spokesperson for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army, confirmed, “The enemy now controls Walikale,” emphasizing the strategic significance of the town. Walikale is located in a mineral-rich region and serves as a critical junction linking four provinces in eastern Congo, now placing the rebels within 400 kilometers of Kisangani, the country’s fourth-largest city.
In light of rising tensions, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame convened in Doha, Qatar, where they called for an immediate ceasefire. Despite this, Nangaa dismissed the proposal, asserting that the M23’s actions are not directed by Rwanda but rather represent a Congolese effort. He stated, “We are Congolese who are fighting for a cause.”
Although a direct dialogue between Kinshasa and the M23 was anticipated following Tshisekedi’s change in stance towards talks with the rebels, M23 withdrew from discussions set to take place in Angola, citing European Union sanctions on its leaders. Nevertheless, Nangaa reiterated the necessity for direct communication, indicating that such dialogue is essential for conflict resolution and advocating for the end of perceived persecution against Tutsis in Congo.
He remarked, “We demand that if there is a dialogue, it be a direct dialogue… We are keen on any peaceful solution.”
The situation in Eastern Congo remains dire as M23 rebels continue to advance and dismiss calls for a ceasefire. The conflict, rooted in historical grievances and competition for resources, poses a risk of broadening into a regional war. Despite attempts at dialogue, significant divisions persist, highlighting the challenges in achieving lasting peace and security.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
