Angola has alleged that M23 rebels violated a ceasefire in eastern DRC, following clashes with Wazalendo militia in Kalembe. The Angolan government condemned these actions as detrimental to peace efforts, amid ongoing instability in the mineral-rich region.
Angola has publicly charged the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, with breaching the ceasefire agreement in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This ceasefire, established in early August following mediation efforts by Angola, was intended to stabilize the region. Nonetheless, recent clashes between the M23 and the government-backed Wazalendo militia on Sunday disrupted this fragile peace in North Kivu province. Reports indicate that M23 forces took control of Kalembe, a town pivotal for region’s resources, thereby committing a “flagrant violation” of the ceasefire according to the Angolan government. The situation escalated when Wazalendo attempted to fend off the M23, leading to armed conflict at dawn. Although local sources confirmed control over Kalembe by the Wazalendo, there remains ambiguity regarding the involvement of Rwandan or Congolese military forces. The Angolan government condemned this aggression, emphasizing that it undermines ongoing peace efforts. The DRC’s eastern regions have been the site of extensive violence and territorial disputes among various rebel groups, driven by the area’s rich mineral wealth.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC has roots in decades of instability characterized by ethnic tensions, economic struggles, and the presence of numerous armed groups. The M23, primarily made up of Tutsi fighters, emerged in 2021 and has been responsible for significant territorial gains, resulting in the displacement of large populations. The region is rich in natural resources, including gold, coltan, and diamonds, attracting both local and foreign interests. Angolan mediation efforts have sought to establish a ceasefire, but the resurgence of violence indicates a fragile state of peace. Kalembe’s strategic importance underscores the high stakes involved in controlling these regions.
In summary, Angola’s accusation against the M23 rebels highlights the delicate situation in eastern DRC and the challenges faced in maintaining peace following recent hostilities. The resumption of fighting threatens not only the ceasefire but also broader efforts aimed at resolving the multifaceted conflict in the region. Continued international attention and mediation may be necessary to achieve lasting stability in this resource-rich area afflicted by rivalries and entrenched violence.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
