(Reuters) – A fragile ceasefire between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo appears to have broken down, with the rebels reversing their pledge to withdraw from Walikale and accusing the army of violating its commitments.
The ceasefire, which briefly raised hopes of reviving stalled diplomatic efforts, unraveled less than 48 hours after both sides had agreed to pause hostilities. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka claimed that attack drones remained in the town, calling it a major obstacle to peace efforts. The Congolese army has not yet responded to these allegations.
Walikale, a key strategic town, marked the farthest westward advance of M23 since it escalated its offensive in January. Local residents confirmed that rebel fighters had not withdrawn despite their earlier commitment.
Failed Peace Talks and Angola’s Withdrawal
Attempts at peace negotiations have repeatedly failed. Talks in Angola last week were canceled after M23 protested against European Union sanctions on its leaders and Rwandan officials.
Now, Angola has announced its withdrawal from mediation efforts, stating that another African nation will take over. The Angolan government had expressed frustration over a separate Qatar-brokered meeting between Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, arguing for African-led solutions.
Following that meeting, Tshisekedi and Kagame supported an immediate ceasefire, but M23 rejected the agreement, stating it was not bound by those calls.
Rwanda’s Role and Regional Tensions
The Congo government, the UN, and Western nations have accused Rwanda of supplying arms and troops to M23. Rwanda denies the allegations, claiming its forces are acting in self-defense against Congo’s army and a militia linked to the 1994 genocide.
With the ceasefire collapsing, fears are mounting of worsening violence and a wider regional conflict. Qatar had earlier welcomed the ceasefire efforts, calling them a positive step toward peace, but recent developments suggest that stability remains elusive.
