Renewed fighting in eastern DRC between M23 rebels and pro-government fighters has flared despite regional ceasefire efforts. Recent confrontations follow a failure by the rebels to withdraw from strategic locations, further complicating peace negotiations. Regional leaders are attempting to mediate, while tensions also rise between Rwanda and Burundi amid allegations of destabilization.
Recent hostilities have intensified in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels engage in battles against pro-government fighters, known as Wazalendo, across North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. These clashes erupted despite pressure from regional mediators who convened virtual talks to facilitate a ceasefire. Notably, these discussions involved representatives from the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, aiming to rejuvenate ceasefire efforts.
The M23 rebels have made significant advancements since January, capturing Goma and Bukavu, resulting in extensive casualties and displacing hundreds of thousands. Notably, the conflict escalated recently when the rebels failed to honor their commitment to withdraw from Walikale, a strategically vital town in North Kivu province. Civil society leader Muhindo Tafuteni reported ongoing skirmishes near Lake Edward, which borders Uganda, while additional confrontations occurred around towns north of Bukavu.
Corneille Nangaa, chief of the Congo River Alliance that includes the M23, declared his group would persist in fighting to secure their country’s future. He dismissed the peace talks held in Qatar, asserting that any agreements made without the M23 would be ineffective. Nangaa stated, “Anything regarding us which are done without us, it’s against us” – Associated Press.
To advance peace talks, leaders from the EAC and SADC convened and appointed five former heads of state to facilitate negotiations. This panel will designate a new mediator following the withdrawal of Angolan President Joao Lourenco, who had previously led efforts to mediate the conflict. The considerations for a meeting in Angola were disrupted when M23 withdrew in protest against new European Union sanctions.
Meanwhile, Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of planning an attack against Burundi, alleging support for the Red Tabara rebel group to destabilize his nation, similar to the situation with M23 in DRC. Ndayishimiye affirmed, “Burundians will not accept to be killed as Congolese are being killed” – BBC. In response, Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, expressed surprise at these claims, noting joint security discussions between Rwandan and Burundian defense institutions.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo exemplifies the complexity and geopolitical underpinnings of regional tensions. Despite efforts by regional leaders to mediate a ceasefire, active hostilities continue to escalate, thereby exacerbating humanitarian crises. The involvement of external actors like Rwanda and the accusations of its intentions towards Burundi add layers of complication to an already volatile situation. A concerted and inclusive peace effort remains crucial to ensure stability in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
