Crisis Summit as M23 Rebels Threaten Goma Control
DR Congo’s President Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Kagame will meet for crisis talks as M23 rebels appear poised to seize Goma, following violent clashes resulting in numerous casualties. The M23 has reportedly gained control over the city’s airport, while protests erupt against embassies in Kinshasa following the escalating conflict.
Leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda are set for urgent discussions as the M23 rebel group appears close to taking control of Goma, a strategic city in the DRC’s eastern region. President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC will engage in emergency talks with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to address the security crisis, particularly after M23 militants took over Goma’s airport amidst escalating violence.
The situation in Goma has intensified, with reports indicating more than 100 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries documented due to the ongoing clashes. As of Tuesday night, only M23 fighters supported by Rwandan forces were observed actively controlling the streets, while Congolese soldiers faced significant losses, with over 1,200 reportedly surrendering to M23 forces.
Tshisekedi’s meeting with Kagame is crucial, occurring during an extraordinary summit of the East African Community, facilitated by Kenya’s leadership. This conflict signifies a significant deterioration in the security landscape of eastern DRC, historically troubled by regional conflicts rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The DRC has been grappling with armed conflict for several decades, exacerbated by the involvement of regional powers, notably Rwanda. This ongoing strife includes various rebel factions, with M23 emerging as a significant entity in recent years. The humanitarian ramifications of this violence are dire, creating a backdrop of mass displacement, food shortages, and overwhelmed healthcare systems, all as tensions rise due to accusations of outside influence in the conflict.
The precarious situation in Goma prompts a critical need for diplomatic intervention, highlighting the dangers of escalating violence in the region. The involvement of international authorities, including the United Nations and the African Union, underscores the urgency for a resolution to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and prevent further loss of life. As indicated, the M23 movement poses a lasting threat to regional stability, necessitating coordinated efforts among affected nations to establish peace and security.
Original Source: www.france24.com
