The M23 rebels in eastern Congo rejected ceasefire calls from Kinshasa and Kigali, capturing the strategic town of Walikale. This advance strengthens their control over mineral-rich areas and key transportation routes. Despite international allegations of Rwandan support, M23 leaders assert their autonomy and call for direct negotiations with the Congolese government to address grievances and pursue peaceful resolutions.
On Thursday, the leader of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo rejected ceasefire calls from Kinshasa and Kigali, stating that they are not concerned. The M23 forces have advanced further into Congolese territory, seizing the strategic town of Walikale, known for its mineral wealth, including tin. Their control over Walikale enables them to dominate a road connecting four provinces and brings them within 400 kilometers (250 miles) of Kisangani, the fourth-largest city in Congo.
Walikale, which has a population of approximately 15,000, has fallen under complete rebel control, with reports of casualties among the residents, including at least seven individuals hospitalized. Following a meeting in Doha, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame called for immediate ceasefire negotiations, but the M23 leader, Corneille Nangaa, dismissed this appeal, emphasizing that their fight is a Congolese cause unrelated to Rwandan interests.
The ongoing conflict, stemming from the consequences of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition over mineral resources, has escalated significantly, marking eastern Congo’s most severe unrest since the late 1990s. The M23 rebels have conquered major urban centers, including Goma and Bukavu, engaging in successful confrontations against the Congolese military. While independent sources, including the United Nations, maintain that Rwanda has supported M23, the Rwandan government denies these allegations, asserting its military actions are defensive against the Congolese army and militia groups related to the genocide perpetrators.
Initially anticipated talks between Kinshasa and M23 in Angola were canceled when the rebels withdrew, attributing the decision to European Union sanctions against some M23 leaders and Rwandan officials. Analysts interpret this withdrawal as a reflection of the rebels’ confidence following their recent military successes. Nonetheless, Nangaa reiterated the necessity of direct negotiations with Kinshasa to resolve the ongoing conflict, insisting on a peaceful solution that addresses issues such as the alleged persecution of Tutsis in Congo and the need for improved national governance.
In summary, the M23 rebels have decisively advanced their position in eastern Congo by capturing Walikale and rejecting calls for a ceasefire with the Congolese and Rwandan authorities. Despite international allegations of Rwandan support for the rebels, the M23 leadership claims its actions are based on Congolese sovereignty and issues. Ongoing tensions and recent military successes underscore the complexity of the situation, as dialogue remains critical to achieving lasting peace.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
