In the midst of a ceasefire, the M23-AFC rebels continue to conquer new entities, notably in the Walikale territory in North Kivu province, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Since Monday May 26, villages such as Bukumbirwa, Rusamambu, Kilambo and Ngengere in the Muronga locality have come under rebel control, following fighting with Wazalendo resistance fighters in the area. Local sources reported that the rebels launched attacks against positions controlled by Wazalendo resistance fighters in Muronga, forcing them to retreat towards Misimbi, located several kilometers from Rusamambu, an entity which also fell into rebel hands on Tuesday.

A few weeks ago, Walikale civil society warned of a build-up of men and ammunition by the AFC/M23 rebels in this part of Walikale territory. This advance by the AFC/M23 towards other areas violates the ceasefire decreed to allow the various peace processes underway to come to a successful conclusion with a view to putting an end to the conflict, laments local notables.

The immediate ceasefire agreed with the Congolese government as part of the Doha peace process in Qatar is struggling to materialize on the ground. The Doha ceasefire is the fifth such agreement, but none has yet held. All these measures put in place have not been followed by coercive directives against the party accused of violation, leaving the two opposing parties free to shoot at each other and later accuse each other.

Written by Safari Baguma