### M23 and regional dynamics: when hopes of peace crumble in the Congolese East
In a context already enamelled with tensions, the taking of Walikale by the rebels of the M23, supported by the Rwandan army, represents a decisive turning point in the crisis which shakes the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). From the bottom of this chaos, there is a complex picture where geopolitical, economic and humanitarian issues intertwine, arousing questions about the future of the region and on the real possibilities of peace.
#### The context of militant climbing
The M23 foray into Walikale, barely a few hours after a strong verbal commitment between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, for an unconditional ceasefire, highlights the paradoxes of diplomacy in Central Africa. These talks, having taken place under the aegis of the Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, seem to have been swept by a brutal military reality. Taking this locality almost without fights illustrates a strategic preparation of the rebels and underlines the faults in the negotiation process.
Alarm signals are multiplying in the DRC. The prolonged clashes between government forces and rebel groups, such as M23, already leave a climate of despair on civilian populations. According to the latest UN estimates, around 5.5 million Congolese are moved due to armed conflicts, and this figure could further increase in the recent events in Walikale.
### The regional dynamics in play
Rwandan support per m23 is no surprise for experts in the region. This support, long criticized by Kinshasa and the international community, is part of a broader scheme where Rwanda seeks to establish an area of influence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, rich in natural resources, and where ethnic and territorial conflicts are common. This dynamic has historical parallels with the events of 1994 linked to the genocide in Rwanda and its consequences on the Great Lakes region.
### The anger of a trapped population
The inhabitants of Walikale, trapped between the progress of the rebels and the perceived ineffectiveness of the international powers, express a feeling of abandonment. Fiston Misona, territorial president of Civil Society Force Vive de Walikale, stresses that the population suffers not only from insecurity, but also from disillusionment in the face of an international community which seems to be disengaged. The cry of the heart of the Congolese is often that of the absence of concrete answers in the face of a humanitarian tragedy that continues.
#### to a comparative analysis
Through the prism of the situation in Walikale, it is relevant to make a parallel with other in progress conflicts around the world. For example, the crisis in Syria has also led to promising diplomatic speeches that have been systematically bypassed by military actions. Likewise, in Ukraine, despite the peace talks, assaults continue, testifying to a persistent challenge for diplomacy in the face of realities in the field.
Thus, the failure of talks between Tshisekedi and Kagame to establish lasting peace is symptomatic of a situation where regional actors pursue often contradictory interests. While Doha’s talks suggested a constructive approach, actions in the field, especially in Walikale, suggest that sustainable diplomatic solutions would require more significant intervention, both local and international.
#### A call for collective mobilization
Finally, a collective approach is more necessary than ever. Bishop Pax André Marie Kito Masimango, National Coordinator of the National Coalition for the ICC/DRC, insists on the importance of mobilizing not only political actors but also civil society and the diaspora, in order to support real peace initiatives. The creation of powerful international solidarity networks is essential to put pressure on the governments involved, notably Rwanda and the DRC, so that they really engage in a peace process.
The situation in Walikale is not just an isolated event; It is indicative of wider dynamics that require increased attention. At a time when the world often seems to be diverted from the crises in progress in favor of other geopolitical priorities, a strong reminder of what is at stake for the Congolese people is essential. Peace remains fragile, but an international awareness could lead to a turning point, not only for the DRC but for the stability of the whole region of the Great Lakes.