M23 Rebels Capture Walikale: A Significant Advance in Eastern DRC Conflict
M23 rebels have seized Walikale, a key mining town in eastern DRC, with minimal resistance, aided by the Rwandan army. This development highlights the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in numerous civilian injuries and mass displacement. International calls for a ceasefire persist, while diplomatic efforts struggle with M23’s recent withdrawal from peace talks.
M23 rebels have successfully captured the town of Walikale in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), reaching their most westerly point since their emergence in 2012. Local and security sources confirm that the capture occurred without significant resistance, supported by the Rwandan army, as reported by the United Nations radio service, Radio Okapi. This advance comes despite ongoing calls for a ceasefire from both the DRC and Rwanda.
Walikale, a mining hub located in North Kivu Province, has a population of approximately 15,000 residents. Following the takeover, DRC military forces (FARDC) reportedly retreated to avoid casualties, relocating to Mubi, approximately 30 kilometers away. Local civil society activist Fiston Misona reported injuries with at least seven people wounded and receiving treatment at the general hospital in Walikale.
The M23 now occupies the town, which positions them strategically closer to key urban centers such as Kisangani, about 400 kilometers away. In light of the developments, many residents have begun fleeing to nearby provinces for safety due to fears of escalating violence. The recent capture follows M23’s earlier successes in Nyabiondo and Bukavu, intensifying the regional crisis as diplomatic attempts to resolve the conflict continue.
The escalating conflict has forced the mining company Alphamin to evacuate its employees from the Walikale district, impacting operations in one of the world’s largest tin ore mines. Tensions remain high as the United Nations accuses Rwanda of providing support to M23, a claim which Kigali denies. In recent negotiations, M23 withdrew from talks aimed at peace discussions, attributing their departure to EU sanctions against their leaders.
With conflicts persisting since the late 1990s, thousands remain displaced, and neighbouring countries are actively engaging in mediation efforts to address the conflict and humanitarian crisis that has unfolded principally in eastern DRC.
The capture of Walikale by M23 rebels represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. This advance heightens tensions amidst international calls for a ceasefire and highlights the humanitarian repercussions with thousands of people fleeing the area. Diplomatic efforts continue to seek a resolution, though M23’s recent withdrawal from talks complicates the path to peace. The situation emphasizes the need for urgent intervention to prevent further destabilization in the region and protect the vulnerable population affected by these hostilities.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
