M23 rebels have captured Walikale, a significant mining town in eastern DRC, marking their farthest westward advance. The takeover occurred with minimal resistance, aided by Rwandan military support. Thousands are fleeing the town amid increasing conflict, as both the DRC and Rwanda call for a ceasefire. The situation is intensifying due to prior M23 victories and diplomatic tensions surrounding EU sanctions.
The M23 rebels have effectively captured Walikale, a vital mining hub located in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This advancement marks the rebels’ most significant push westward, arriving despite ongoing calls for a ceasefire from both the DRC and Rwanda. Reports indicate that the takeover occurred on Wednesday with minimal resistance, backed by Rwandan military support, as affirmed by local media and security sources.
Security personnel confirmed the seizure of Walikale, stating, “Walikale-centre is occupied by the M23 … We retreated to avoid human losses,” according to an officer in the DRC’s military. Civil society activist Fiston Misona also reported multiple injuries in the city, with seven individuals hospitalized. An M23 source further affirmed their total control over Walikale, while the DRC military has yet to provide commentary regarding the situation.
This acquisition represents the most extensive territorial gain for M23 since its emergence in 2012. It coincides with a call for a ceasefire from Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame during discussions in Doha, Qatar. The population of Walikale, approximately 15,000, is situated about 125 kilometers northwest of Goma, enabling M23 to threaten Kisangani, DRC’s fourth-largest city.
Al Jazeera reported that many residents of Walikale are fleeing the city to seek safer refuge in the neighboring province of Kisangani. Recent attacks also resulted in the earlier capture of Nyabiondo and Bukavu, leading to significant disruptions in mining operations in the region, notably by the mining company Alphamin.
International diplomatic efforts are intensifying to address the escalating conflict in eastern DRC, which resembles the large-scale turmoil experienced during the 1998-2003 war. The United Nations has accused Rwanda of providing military support to M23, a claim that Rwanda has refuted. Recent efforts for dialogue between the DRC and M23 were halted as M23 withdrew from negotiations, citing EU sanctions against its leaders.
Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, stated, “We will fight until our cause is heard,” expressing his stance on the unresolved issues regarding the latest discussions in Qatar and their lack of impact on M23’s concerns. The conflict has compelled tens of thousands to flee their homes, leading to significant humanitarian crises in surrounding regions, as noted by the United Nations.
The recent capture of Walikale by the M23 rebels signifies a concerning escalation in the conflict in eastern DRC, drawing both local and international attention. Supported by Rwandan forces, M23 has advanced further into DRC territory amidst ongoing calls for peace. The human toll of this conflict continues to rise with thousands displaced, necessitating urgent diplomatic efforts to restore stability and address underlying grievances. As the situation unfolds, the affected regions are in dire need of humanitarian assistance and effective conflict resolution strategies.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
