Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have pushed into a mineral-rich town in eastern Congo despite ceasefire calls by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents. The rebels captured Walikale, a strategic town in North Kivu province, on Wednesday, according to residents and civil society leaders.
The fighting came after unexpected talks between the presidents of Congo and Rwanda in Qatar this week, which called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. However, the M23 rebels claim they entered Walikale to protect the population from alleged Congolese army attacks.
The town’s capture gives the rebels control of a key road linking four provinces in eastern Congo and effectively cuts off Congolese army positions. The area is rich in tin and gold deposits, with the Bisie tin mine accounting for most of North Kivu province’s exports.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has expressed willingness to negotiate over critical minerals with the US in exchange for security. M23 rebels are supported by approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda and have vowed to march as far as Kinshasa, Congo’s capital, if necessary.
The UN Human Rights Council launched a commission last month to investigate atrocities, including allegations of rape and killing, committed by both sides. Doctors Without Borders reported that its base in Walikale was caught in the crossfire, with bullets hitting some facilities and vehicles.
The conflict has created one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises, displacing over 7 million people. The UN estimates that more than 100 armed groups are vying for control of mineral-rich eastern Congo near the border with Rwanda.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/congo-m23-walikale-rwanda-9b0be4acf33ef42b0c7b5d1dcfa9a6c5