M23 Rebels Capture Walikale, Escalating DRC Conflict and Displacement

M23 rebels have captured Walikale, a key mining town in eastern DRC, marking their furthest advancement west. Supported by the Rwandan army, the takeover occurred almost without resistance, leading to significant civilian casualties and a mass exodus of residents. Tensions are escalating as diplomatic efforts fail, with UN reports indicating Rwandan backing of M23. The conflict continues to displace thousands and threatens the region’s stability.

M23 rebels have seized control of Walikale, a significant mining town in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking their furthest westward advance. This takeover occurred despite ongoing calls for a ceasefire from both the DRC and Rwanda. The rebels reportedly captured the town almost effortlessly, allegedly with support from the Rwandan army, according to reports from Radio Okapi, the United Nations radio service.

Security sources confirmed the takeover of Walikale, located in North Kivu province, with DRC military forces retreating to Mubi, approximately 30 kilometers away, to avoid casualties. Local civil society activist Fiston Misona reported at least seven injuries among civilians. An M23 source asserted that the rebels maintain full control over the town, while the DRC military has not responded to inquiries regarding the situation on the ground.

Walikale, with a population of around 15,000, lies northwest of Goma, eastern DRC’s largest city. The M23’s advance places them within 400 kilometers of Kisangani, the DRC’s fourth-largest city. Reports indicate that thousands of residents are fleeing towards Kisangani to seek refuge, with many already on the roads.

M23’s recent advances follow earlier captures, including Nyabiondo city, demonstrating the escalation of the conflict within the region. This has compelled mining companies to halt operations and evacuate personnel, affecting significant resources such as cassiterite and gold. Diplomatic efforts to address the rising tensions have intensified as eastern DRC confronts its worst conflict since the 1998-2003 war.

Accusations from the UN suggest that Rwanda has provided support to the M23 with arms and troop deployments, claims that Kigali systematically denies. Despite scheduled talks in Angola, M23 withdrew, citing EU sanctions against its leaders as a rationale. M23 leader Corneille Nangaa stated their determination to continue fighting until their grievances are acknowledged, expressing skepticism about the recent talks between Congolese and Rwandan leaders in Doha, Qatar.

The capture of Walikale by M23 rebels emphasizes the escalating tensions in eastern DRC, leading to humanitarian crises and international concern. The lack of effective ceasefire negotiations, coupled with the backing from external forces such as Rwanda, complicates the conflict further. With thousands displaced, the growing instability in the region calls for urgent attention and resolution efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com