GOMA, Congo (AP) — M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have taken control of another key town in eastern Congo, according to residents and insurgents. This comes despite calls for a ceasefire from the presidents of Congo and Rwanda earlier this week.
The long-standing conflict in eastern Congo intensified in January when the M23 fighters captured the crucial city of Goma, followed by their seizure of Bukavu in February.
Recent hostilities erupted after a surprise meeting between the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Qatar, where they urged for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. This discussion came on the heels of an unsuccessful attempt on Tuesday to convene a ceasefire negotiation with the M23, which withdrew after the EU imposed sanctions on the rebel leaders.
According to local sources, the rebels entered Walikale late Wednesday and declared in a statement on Thursday that they had “liberated” the town. Capturing Walikale grants the rebels control over a crucial road connecting four eastern provinces — North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema — effectively isolating Congolese military positions.
“The rebels have been observed near key locations in the town center,” said Prince Kihangi, a former provincial deputy from Walikale, adding that heavy artillery fire could be heard throughout the day. However, a civil society activist mentioned that the Congolese army appeared to be inactive, stating, “It’s as if we were being sacrificed.”
In a statement, the M23 coalition claimed they were committed to ceasefire, asserting their entry into Walikale was to protect civilians from alleged attacks by the Congolese army, whom they accused of indiscriminate bombings. They emphasized that their actions were undertaken to safeguard the populace and their properties.
Walikale, known for its significant tin and gold deposits, is particularly strategic. The Bisie tin mine, which lies approximately 60 kilometers northwest of the town, is a key contributor to tin exports in North Kivu. Recently, its operator, Alphamin Resources, announced a suspension of mining activities due to the advancing rebels. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has expressed a willingness to negotiate deals regarding critical minerals with the U.S. in exchange for security assistance.
M23 is among roughly 100 armed groups contesting control in eastern Congo, an area rich in minerals and bordering Rwanda, creating a substantial humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 7 million people. Supported by approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda, the M23 rebels have at times threatened to move towards the capital, Kinshasa, located about 1,600 kilometers east.
The U.N. Human Rights Council recently initiated a commission to investigate ongoing atrocities, including reports of sexual violence and extrajudicial killings by both sides. Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders reported that their facility in Walikale was caught in the crossfire, expressing concern over the safety of medical staff and patients amidst escalating violence.
