M23 Rebels Capture Walikale, Escalating Conflict in Eastern DRC

M23 rebels have seized Walikale, a key mining town in eastern DRC, supported by Rwanda. This marks their furthest push west since emerging in 2012. Amidst ongoing conflict, thousands are fleeing, and diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire have unfolded but met with setbacks, including M23’s withdrawal from peace talks, revealing the complexity of the humanitarian crisis in the region.

In a significant escalation of conflict, M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have captured the town of Walikale in North Kivu province of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Reports indicate that the town, a vital mining hub, was taken with minimal resistance from the DRC military, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC).

Walikale’s capture represents the furthest advancement of the M23 since its inception in 2012, positioning the rebels approximately 400 kilometers from Kisangani, DRC’s fourth-largest city. Following the seizure, local military officials confirmed that DRC forces retreated to avoid casualties.

Witness accounts from Walikale emphasize the gravity of the situation, with reports indicating injuries among civilians and a stream of thousands fleeing towards Kisangani for safety. Earlier in the month, M23 also secured control of nearby Nyabiondo and Bukavu, further escalating tensions in the region.

Diplomatic efforts to address the conflict increased following a recent call for a ceasefire between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Nevertheless, M23 withdrew from anticipated peace talks in Angola, citing sanctions against its leaders as a pretext. Their leader, Corneille Nangaa, has expressed determination to continue fighting until their grievances are acknowledged.

The ongoing violence has led to widespread displacement, with tens of thousands seeking refuge in nearby areas and across borders. The United Nations continues to attribute M23’s resurgence to support from Rwanda, a claim which the Rwandan government disputes. The evolving situation in eastern DRC poses a grave humanitarian crisis as diplomatic discord hampers potential resolutions to this protracted conflict.

The recent capture of Walikale by M23 rebels marks a critical turn in the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC, accelerating the humanitarian disaster as thousands flee the violence. Diplomatic attempts to mediate the conflict have been met with resistance, exacerbating tensions and complicating peace efforts. The involvement of external actors, particularly Rwanda, continues to cast a shadow over the prospects for stability in the region, as M23 remains committed to its objectives amid deteriorating conditions for civilians.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com