In an unexpected and unsettling development, the mineral-rich town of Walikale in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) fell into the hands of the M23 rebels backed by Rwanda late Wednesday. This aggressive move marks their most significant thrust into the heart of the nation, escalating tensions and dashing hopes for a cease-fire. According to local sources, the capture has raised alarm over the fragile peace attempts, particularly after the recent and surprising meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame in Doha. Is there room for diplomacy, or are we akin to reliving a historical cycle of violence, masked only by the illusion of talks?
The town of Walikale, boasting a population of approximately 60,000, positions itself strategically in the tumultuous landscape of eastern DRC. Known for its abundant mineral deposits, its occupation by the M23 insurgents signals a pivotal shift in the group’s tactics since their emergence in 2012. This significant development underscores the rebels’ audacity, a day following a seemingly positive diplomatic gesture.
Nevertheless, even as Qatar’s mediators strive to outline feasible terms for a truce, the rapid advance by the rebels throws the region’s already tenuous peace efforts into deep uncertainty. “Walikale-Centre is occupied by the M23,” a FARDC officer informed Agence France-Presse (AFP), noting that the DRC’s forces had tactically retreated to Mubi, approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) away, aiming to avert human casualties.
The scene escalated further, as confirmed by another security source, with military clashes reported in Mubi the following day. The offensive, already creating shockwaves in the economic landscape, forced mining company Alphamin to evacuate its workers and suspend operations at the world’s third-largest tin mine. The Bisie site, nestled in North Kivu province’s Walikale district, churns out massive quantities of cassiterite, a valuable tin ore. Ceasing these operations sparked an immediate surge in tin prices, unsettling the global supply chain of an essential component in electronics manufacturing.
The unfolding crisis highlights the broader market dynamics – electronics and renewable energy sectors stir the global demand for tin, fueling tensions in this mineral-abundant region. The territory also harbors gold mines, sprinkled amidst its dense forests, yet its wealth remains overshadowed by relentless conflict.
“Armed M23 fighters have been sighted in our neighborhoods,” expressed Fiston Misona, a representative from the local civil society. Another resident, shrouded in anonymity, recounted with trepidation observing armed groups through the confines of their homes. In a dramatic turn, a base operated by Doctors Without Borders found itself embroiled in crossfire, as disclosed by local official Marco Doneda. While no immediate injuries were reported, the looming fear of wounded individuals overwhelming medical facilities in the hours to come is palpable. Is there an end in sight, or are we condemned to watch the tragedy unfold?
Cease-fire aspirations
The M23 has embarked on an astounding military advance over recent months, systematically displacing the Congolese army from large portions of North and South Kivu provinces. Their actions foment fears of deeper regional conflict. Residing at a crucial crossroads between Goma and Bukavu – provincial capitals now under M23 authority – Walikale’s occupation highlights the escalating stakes.
The DRC government squarely blames Rwanda for backing M23 to seize control of valuable minerals and fertile agricultural land. Rwanda, however, staunchly refutes these accusations, although a United Nations expert report alleges that Rwanda maintains approximately 4,000 troops in Eastern DRC to lend M23 significant support.
In an unexpected twist, Kagame and Tshisekedi congregated in Doha, hosting talks mediated by Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The history of these leaders’ failed dialogues echoes, their meetings often dissolving before they even commence. Yet, this time, the powerhouses endorsed an “immediate and unconditional cease-fire,” as a collaborative statement from the three nations revealed. However, ambiguity shrouds the details of how this cease-fire would crystallize – could it be mere wishful thinking without M23’s involvement?
According to Thierry Vircoulon, an associate researcher at the Sub-Saharan Africa Centre of the French Institute for International Relations, Kagame implicitly acknowledges his participation in the Eastern DRC rebellion by engaging in these discussions. He expressed his thoughts to AFP, remarking on the guerrilla group’s absence of a formal negotiating framework.
Ultimately, the M23’s primary agenda revolves around the removal of Tshisekedi from power, Vircoulon asserts. Amidst this complex geopolitical chess game, a planned negotiation between Kinshasa and the M23, slated for Tuesday in Luanda, Angola, was also abruptly canceled. The annals of history echo with tales of half a dozen cease-fires and truces since late 2021, only to be shattered in their infancy.
Our future, it seems, hangs in the balance between these fragile accords, elusive as they might be, and the relentless ambitions of those who wield power. Where does this leave the residents of Walikale, valiantly clinging to hope amidst conflict and uncertainty?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
