DRC’s President Commits to Military Response Amid M23 Advancements
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi pledges a vigorous military response to M23 fighters backed by Rwanda after their recent advancement in Goma. His remarks highlight the need for international action as tensions rise in the region, prompting calls for dialogue and mediation from various entities. The ongoing violence emphasizes the urgent need for a resolution in Eastern DRC.
In response to the advancing Rwanda-backed M23 fighters, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi has committed to a robust military action. The M23’s recent capture of significant portions of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, marks a troubling escalation in a protracted conflict characterized by numerous armed groups in Eastern DRC. This situation has induced a wave of concern across the African continent, prompting emergency meetings among regional organizations and expressions of support for peace initiatives from global powers.
During his late-night address, President Tshisekedi condemned the international community’s inaction as an affront amidst an increasingly dire security landscape. He emphasized the urgency of a coordinated and vigorous response against those he labels as terrorists and their backers, warning of the potential for escalated violence in the Great Lakes region. Tshisekedi’s comments come after he opted not to participate in crisis discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
At a virtual summit, the East African Community region urged the DRC government to actively engage with all involved parties, including the M23 group, while Kagame indicated that Rwanda would not assume a peacemaking role at present. In a separate development, thirteen South African soldiers were reported killed in the DRC while serving as part of a UN peacekeeping contingent. Kagame also clarified that the Southern African Development Community Mission in DRC is not designated as a peacekeeping force.
In light of the escalating crisis, a special summit of the Southern African Development Community is scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe soon. Angola has also extended an offer to mediate discussions between the DRC and Rwandan leadership in its capital, Luanda, highlighting the urgent need for resolution.
This escalation in violence and the complex web of regional conflicts underscore the pressing need for strategic dialogue and effective engagement from both local and international stakeholders.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been embroiled in conflict for three decades, largely driven by various armed groups and external influences. The M23, formed in 2012, has been involved in numerous clashes, often linked with actors from neighboring Rwanda. The current situation highlights the tensions between the DRC government and Rwandan support for the M23, raising concerns about regional stability and the humanitarian impacts resulting from ongoing violence.
President Felix Tshisekedi’s commitment to a vigorous military response against M23 signifies the DRC’s intent to reclaim territorial control amid escalating violence and international inaction. The responses from regional and global bodies reflect a collective concern for peace, highlighting the interconnected nature of armed conflicts in the Great Lakes region. Ongoing dialogues and mediations will be crucial to resolving the issue effectively.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
