DR Congo Fighting: President Tshisekedi Shortens Davos Trip as M23 Gains Ground
DR Congo’s President Tshisekedi has returned from Davos amid escalating conflict caused by M23 rebels, who have captured significant territory in the eastern region, displacing over 400,000 people. Their advances towards Goma, a populous city, raise concerns about another major crisis. The UN warns of potential broader regional implications, with calls for respect for DR Congo’s sovereignty and the cessation of support for armed groups.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos due to escalating violence at home. The conflict has intensified particularly in the eastern region, where M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have gained significant territory since the beginning of this year. The United Nations reported that over 400,000 individuals have been displaced amid the chaos, especially as the rebels advance towards the provincial capital of Goma.
In recent weeks, the M23 has captured important towns such as Masisi and Minova in North Kivu. Should they manage to seize Goma, with a population exceeding one million near the Rwandan border, it would represent a substantial victory for the insurgents. Although the M23 did briefly occupy Goma during a previous rebellion in 2012, they withdrew following diplomatic negotiations. As of Thursday, the rebels claimed to have taken the nearby town of Sake, which lies only 20 kilometers from Goma, although the Congolese military asserts they were able to repel this attack.
The conflict has led many residents in Sake and surrounding areas to flee, often carrying personal belongings, including mattresses, to escape the violence. The M23’s control over mineral-rich regions in eastern DR Congo has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands since 2021. There was a temporary lull in intense fighting in late July 2022, but skirmishes escalated significantly from October onward, culminating in the current crisis.
According to both the Congolese government and the United Nations, the M23 is receiving support from Rwandan forces, an allegation that the Rwandan government neither affirms nor denies. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concerns that the ongoing conflict may evolve into a wider regional war. He has urged all stakeholders to respect the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo and to cease any assistance to armed factions, emphasizing the need for peace and stability in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, with the eastern region particularly affected by the activities of armed groups such as the M23, which is known for its ties to neighboring Rwanda. The region’s mineral wealth has fueled this violence, resulting in significant humanitarian crises, including mass displacements and violations of human rights. The international community, including the UN, is closely monitoring the situation that has the potential to destabilize the entire Great Lakes region of Africa.
In summary, the conflict in DR Congo continues to escalate, with President Tshisekedi’s decision to cut short his foreign engagements underscoring the severity of the situation. The M23’s advances threaten to displace more individuals and pose risks of broader regional instability. Ongoing international attention and intervention may be crucial in preventing further escalation and ensuring humanitarian support for those affected.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
