Gunfire Erupts in Goma as Regional Leaders Push for Peace Talks
Gunfire erupted in Goma as accusations of Rwandan troop movements surfaced, prompting a summit with Congolese and Rwandan leaders amid rising international pressure to halt hostilities. The DRC accused Rwanda of aiding the M23 group in its offensive, leading to calls for UN sanctions. The situation remains tense, with casualties among peacekeepers and ongoing diplomatic breakdowns between the two nations.
Gunfire erupted in Goma, a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following accusations against Rwanda for deploying additional troops to assist pro-Kigali fighters aiming to capture the city. Amid rising international pressure to cease hostilities, Kenya announced a summit involving presidents Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda within two days. Explosions were reported throughout Goma but quiet fell by midnight, leaving uncertainties regarding the M23 group’s advances into the city.
The fighting in Goma reflects decades of conflict in eastern DRC, characterized by regional rivalries and ethnic strife. The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of a “declaration of war” and has requested United Nations sanctions against it for its support of the M23 militia. As the M23, which already has substantial Rwandan backing, continues its offensive, UN peacekeepers and Congolese soldiers have faced numerous casualties.
During an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, DRC’s Foreign Minister described the situation as a severe breach of sovereignty, indicating that unauthorized Rwandan troops were entering Congolese territory. Estimates suggest that between 500 and 1,000 Rwandan soldiers arrived on the same day to bolster the M23’s efforts near Goma. The DRC appeals for targeted sanctions against Rwandan officials were rebuffed by Kigali, emphasizing national security concerns.
Both nations have withdrawn diplomatic personnel amid deteriorating relations. Previous peace talks between Tshisekedi and Kagame collapsed in December, prompting M23 advances toward the strategically significant city of Goma. A UN report indicated possible Rwandan exploitation of DRC’s mineral resources via the M23, complicating the situation as both sides surround the diplomatic process with mounting distrust and hostility.
The M23, which briefly seized Goma in late 2012, was previously defeated but has regrouped and resumed hostilities, breaking multiple ceasefires in the region. A recent report indicated the deaths of 13 soldiers from various peacekeeping missions due to escalating violence, conveying the dire humanitarian situation in the conflict zone. The call for a ceasefire remains unheeded amidst the turmoil in Goma and the surrounding areas.
The conflict surrounding Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo is rooted in longstanding tensions involving ethnic disputes, regional rivalries, and armed militia operations, with external influences from neighboring countries exacerbating the situation. The M23 rebel group, with reported Rwandan backing, has been involved in ongoing confrontations with Congolese forces in an area rich in resources, leading to international condemnation and calls for sanctions against Rwanda. The United Nations has been engaged in mediation efforts but has faced challenges in addressing the complex dynamics at play, including the economic interests tied to the region’s minerals.
The situation in Goma represents an ongoing crisis that highlights the need for international intervention and mediation to prevent further escalation. The involvement of Rwanda adds a layer of complexity to the conflict as accusations and diplomatic withdrawals intensify. Continued fighting poses significant threats not only to peacekeeping efforts but also to the stability of the region and the lives of countless civilians caught in the crossfire. Future talks facilitated by Kenya may provide a pathway toward conflict resolution, but progress will depend on the willingness of both nations to engage constructively.
Original Source: thesun.my
