Rwanda-Supported M23 Rebels Capture Strategic Town in Eastern Congo

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured Walikale in eastern Congo, defying ceasefire calls from regional leaders and continuing an offensive rooted in complex conflicts over mineral wealth. The insurgents claim to protect civilians from alleged attacks by Congolese forces, amidst worsening humanitarian conditions and international scrutiny. The ongoing situation raises critical concerns about security and the humanitarian crisis affecting millions.

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized control of the town of Walikale in eastern Congo, continuing their offensive despite recent calls for a ceasefire from both the Congolese and Rwandan presidents. This recent escalation follows the capture of the strategic city of Goma in January and Bukavu in February. During negotiations in Qatar, leaders attempted to address the ongoing conflict but were unsuccessful in reaching a ceasefire agreement after the M23 rebels exited due to the European Union’s sanctions against them.

The rebels stated they entered Walikale to “liberate” it, gaining strategic control over a crucial road connecting four provinces—North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema—thus isolating Congolese army positions. Local sources reported heavy gunfire throughout the day which eventually subsided, although sporadic fighting persisted. One civil society activist remarked on the Congolese army’s lack of engagement, suggesting the local population was being effectively abandoned.

In a statement, a coalition of insurgent groups, including M23, reiterated their commitment to a ceasefire, explaining that their advance aims to protect civilians from alleged attacks by the Congolese armed forces. They accused the Congolese army of indiscriminate bombings in populated areas, forcing them to act in defense of civilians. They claimed the town had been liberated to safeguard local residents and their property, promising to uphold the ceasefire unless provoked.

The Walikale area is rich in natural resources, hosting significant tin and gold mines, notably the Bisie tin mine, which has temporarily halted operations due to the conflict. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi recently expressed a willingness to negotiate deals involving critical minerals with the United States in exchange for security assistance.

M23 is among around 100 armed groups competing for control over eastern Congo’s mineral wealth, contributing to a humanitarian crisis affecting over 7 million people. U.N. experts estimate that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops support the M23 rebels, who have threatened to advance toward Congo’s capital, Kinshasa. The U.N. Human Rights Council is probing allegations of human rights abuses committed by both sides in the conflict, including sexual violence and extrajudicial killings.

Doctors Without Borders reported that its facilities in Walikale were damaged amidst the fighting, expressing grave concern about potential casualties as the local hospital treats many patients amid the chaos. The ongoing insecurity has led to mass panic, causing many residents to flee and further destabilizing the region.

The recent capture of Walikale by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels highlights the escalating tensions in eastern Congo, a region rich in valuable minerals yet plagued by conflict. Despite calls for a ceasefire, both military actions and humanitarian concerns persist, drawing international attention. With significant implications for local populations and resource management, the situation illustrates the intricate link between armed conflict and mineral wealth in the region.

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