Escalating Violence in Goma Amid Rwanda’s Military Support for M23

Gunfire erupted in Goma as the DRC accused Rwanda of deploying additional troops to support the M23 Movement in assaulting the city. The DRC condemned these actions as a declaration of war and called for UN sanctions. Heavy fighting has raised concerns over security and humanitarian crises, with fatalities reported among foreign peacekeepers. The conflict continues to strain diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Gunfire erupted on Sunday night in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, amid escalating tensions as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) accused Rwanda of sending additional troops across the border to capture the city. Reports indicated that heavy explosions were heard as combatants from the Rwanda-backed M23 Movement clashed with Congolese forces just outside Goma. The DRC government condemned these actions as a blatant declaration of war, urging the United Nations to impose sanctions on Rwanda for its military support of M23.

The M23, already supported by a significant number of Rwandan soldiers, intensified their assault on Congolese troops defending Goma after several recent advancements. Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba expressed fierce condemnation, stating that the influx of Rwandan troops constituted a direct violation of DRC sovereignty. The DRC government is pursuing targeted sanctions against Rwandan officials in response to the situation, emphasizing the impact of foreign military involvement in their ongoing conflict.

In response to the crisis, a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting was convened, leading to calls from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for Rwanda to withdraw its forces. Rwanda’s foreign ministry maintained that it must adopt a defensive posture due to perceived security threats posed by the ongoing fighting. Reports indicated that approximately 500 to 1,000 additional Rwandan soldiers crossed into DRC, further complicating the conflict.

Both countries have expelled diplomats, signalling a severe deterioration in relations following failed peace negotiations between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi. As tensions rise, the city’s significant population faces increasing danger, with many new displaced persons arriving in Goma.

Over the years, Goma has seen violence from various armed groups, with peacekeeping operations increasingly under threat. Tragically, the recent clashes have resulted in the deaths of foreign peacekeepers from South Africa and Malawi, underscoring the heightened risks faced by international forces in the region. The DRC government continues to highlight the extensive influence of Rwanda in accessing the country’s mineral wealth, calling for an export ban on Rwandan-labeled minerals.

The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has been intensified by the involvement of various armed groups, including the M23 Movement, which has historically received support from Rwanda. This region has experienced violence for over three decades, with military and ethnic factions competing for control. The diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the DRC have deteriorated significantly, especially after failed negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace, resulting in further destabilization and humanitarian crises in areas like Goma.

The situation in Goma reflects a critical escalation in the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda, marked by military confrontations, diplomatic breakdown, and humanitarian concerns. Calls for international intervention highlight the DRC’s struggle to maintain sovereignty against external pressures while managing a complex internal crisis exacerbated by historical grievances. As both countries brace for further confrontation, the implications for regional stability remain severe.

Original Source: www.wyomingnewsnow.tv