Kagame Acknowledges U.S. Call for Ceasefire in Eastern Congo Amid Renewed Violence
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Rwanda’s President Kagame has agreed with the U.S. on a ceasefire in eastern Congo but resists calls to withdraw support for M23 rebels in Goma. The city has witnessed renewed violence, overwhelming hospitals. The U.S. has urged the U.N. Security Council to consider measures against the escalating conflict, amid accusations of Rwanda exploiting regional resources.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has expressed agreement with the United States regarding the necessity for a ceasefire in eastern Congo. However, he has not signaled compliance with demands for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and their support of the M23 rebels from Goma, which has seen a resurgence of violence, resulting in the suffering of civilians in the region.
The M23 rebels captured Goma earlier this week, marking the most significant intensification of conflict in over a decade. This has overwhelmed healthcare facilities as they treat an influx of injured individuals suffering from gunshot wounds and other violence-related traumas.
In response to the escalating situation, the United States urged the United Nations Security Council to consider various measures to stop the rebel advance, which has displaced numerous families from their homes. The U.N. Council retains the power to implement sanctions as a means of addressing this crisis.
Despite the general calmness that has returned to Goma after intense fighting, residents reported sporadic gunfire, looting, and other disturbances continuing in the area. President Kagame shared his discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on social media, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire and addressing the core issues underlying the conflict.
Rubio conveyed that the U.S. government is deeply concerned regarding the ongoing violence and its historical roots related to the Rwandan genocide and the struggle for control over valuable mineral resources in Congo. Rwanda has maintained that its military presence in the area is simply a defensive measure against Congolese militias, without explicitly confirming any troop movements across the border.
Tensions escalated on Monday as fighting broke out along the border shared by Congolese and Rwandan forces, while the M23 rebels aimed to solidify their hold on Goma, a critical economic hub for mineral trade. In Goma, unarmed soldiers reportedly participated in a disarmament process organized by the M23, and residents described ongoing explosions, gunfire, and looting.
Rwanda cites the remaining perpetrators of the genocide as a continuing threat and accuses the Congolese government of harboring militias hostile to its security. On the other hand, the Congolese government rejects Rwanda’s claims, alleging that they exploit local conflicts and mineral resources through proxy forces for economic gains.
In a notable display of domestic discontent, protests erupted in the Congolese capital of Kinshasa, where demonstrators assaulted a U.N. compound and various embassies, highlighting resentment towards perceived foreign interference in their affairs.
The conflict in eastern Congo, stemming from the Rwandan genocide’s aftermath and regional resource competition, has been marked by ongoing instability and violence. The emergence of the M23 rebel group, which is perceived as being supported by Rwanda, has exacerbated tensions and humanitarian crises in the region. International efforts, particularly from the United States, aim to broker a ceasefire while addressing the historical grievances that fuel this conflict, yet the situation remains precarious with significant implications for regional security and civilian safety.
In summary, the situation in eastern Congo remains dire as M23 rebels consolidate control over Goma, prompting international calls, notably from the United States, for an immediate ceasefire. While Rwanda acknowledges the need for peace negotiations, it resists pressure to withdraw its military support for M23. The dual complexities of historical grievances and resource control continue to fuel the conflict, leading to humanitarian crises and regional instability.
Original Source: www.voanews.com