The DRC army, with Wazalendo support, successfully repelled M23 rebels advancing toward Walikale-Centre. Following military action, calm was restored, but many residents have fled the area. Concurrently, EAC and SADC ministers in Harare adopted a roadmap for resolving the DRC conflict, emphasizing dialogue and humanitarian access, while addressing ceasefire verification. Historical tensions, particularly with Rwanda, remain a challenge.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) army, in collaboration with its Wazalendo allies, effectively halted the M23 rebels and the Alliance Fleuve Congo’s recent advances toward the Walikale-Centre. The military intervention on March 17 successfully pushed the rebels back to Mpofi, which is approximately 52 kilometers away from the center. Prior to this intervention, the rebels had come dangerously close to seizing the town of Mutakato.
Following the military action, calm was restored to the region on March 18; however, the town remains heavily militarized, and civilian life has been significantly disrupted. Many residents have fled to several villages along the national highway to Kisangani, including Losso, Mungele, Tingitingi, Lubutu Mubi, Ndjingala, Lobu, and Makana, seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict.
In a parallel development, ministers from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened in Harare, Zimbabwe, adopting a roadmap for resolutions regarding the conflict in Eastern DRC without specifically referencing Rwanda’s involvement with the M23 rebels. The SADC-EAC joint session, initially scheduled for February 28, was postponed but ultimately led to the implementation of crucial measures aimed at conflict resolution.
The adopted roadmap contains both long-term and short-term strategies, aiming to facilitate dialogue among conflict parties while establishing an immediate ceasefire. Key objectives of the roadmap include ensuring the unhindered operation of humanitarian agencies, the re-opening of Goma and Kavumu airports, and facilitating evacuations from the conflict area.
Moreover, a verification mechanism will be established to supervise adherence to the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. An increase in verification efforts is proposed, leveraging existing international presence in the region, including the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
A technical evaluation team featuring 12 to 16 experts from various governmental bodies will be formed to assess security conditions and humanitarian needs in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, along with critical infrastructure evaluations.
While the final communique refrained from acknowledging Rwanda’s role in supporting the M23, reports from various United Nations sources indicate Rwandan military involvement alongside the M23 in the conflict over territory in North Kivu province. This prolonged turmoil in Eastern DRC has historical roots in complex regional dynamics, which can be traced back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, leading to persistent tensions over natural resource control.
Overall, while the DRC army’s recent military successes have temporarily constrained M23 advances, significant challenges remain as the humanitarian situation continues to evolve amidst ongoing unrest.
In summary, the DRC army, supported by its allies, successfully repelled the M23 rebellion’s advances toward strategic locations in Walikale-Centre. The aftermath has resulted in a complex humanitarian crisis as civilians evacuate to safer areas. The SADC and EAC ministers have initiated a roadmap towards conflict resolution, promoting dialogue, humanitarian access, and a verification mechanism. However, underlying tensions, particularly regarding Rwanda’s alleged involvement, present substantial challenges to long-term peace in the region.
Original Source: humanglemedia.com
