M23 rebels have captured Walikale, dismissing ceasefire calls from both Kinshasa and Kigali. The conflict is rooted in historical tensions and resource competition, with concerns of evolving into a wider regional war. The rebels demand direct dialogue with the Congolese government to resolve their grievances.
The leader of the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, has declared that calls for an immediate ceasefire from both Kinshasa and Kigali are irrelevant to their objectives. The rebels have made significant advancements by capturing Walikale, a strategic town in eastern Congo, amidst ongoing conflict with the Congolese army and allied militias. This development marks a notable expansion of their control in the region, which has been embroiled in conflict since the 1994 Rwandan genocide and over resource competition.
Walikale, with a population of approximately 15,000, is significant due to its mineral wealth, including tin, and its location along a major road connecting four provinces. The capture of the town positions the rebels within 400 kilometers of Kisangani, the fourth-largest city in Congo, as they pursue further territorial gains. The escalation of this conflict has raised concerns among experts that it may evolve into a regional war, involving multiple nations like Rwanda and Burundi.
Amid these tensions, President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda have called for a ceasefire after their recent meeting in Doha, Qatar. Nevertheless, the M23 rebels have dismissed this appeal. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the M23 alliance, insists that their fight is a Congolese struggle, not a directive from Rwanda, reflecting their grievances and demanding resolution to their issues.
Contrary to expectations, the M23 rebels withdrew from proposed direct talks with Kinshasa that were scheduled to occur in Angola, citing sanctions imposed by the European Union on their leaders as a reason. Analyses suggest that this withdrawal signals the confidence of the rebels following their recent victories. However, Nangaa reiterated the necessity of direct dialogue with the Congolese government as essential for any peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict, emphasizing their call for the end of persecution against Tutsis in the region.
The situation in eastern Congo remains precarious as M23 rebels have effectively dismissed calls for a ceasefire, capturing the strategic town of Walikale. With significant territorial gains, the potential for a broader regional war increases. The refusal to engage in direct talks highlights the complexity and urgency of the situation, underscoring the need for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
