DRC Accuses Rwanda of Illegal Occupation Amid M23 Conflict

The Foreign Minister of the DRC, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, accused Rwanda of illegally occupying DRC territory amid M23’s offensive. Rwanda denied connections to M23. The capture of Goma poses severe threats to its residents, compounded by food and water shortages. The UN and U.S. have called for a ceasefire, while SADC has convened to discuss escalating violence leading to peacekeeper casualties.

On January 31, the Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, accused Rwanda of illegally occupying DRC territory in the wake of the M23 rebel group’s seizure of Goma, an eastern Congolese city. During an interview with the BBC, she alleged that Rwanda intends to facilitate a regime change in the DRC, asserting that international leaders have not held Rwandan President Paul Kagame accountable for violations of international law.

M23 has reportedly advanced through South Kivu province, which borders Rwanda and Burundi. Despite M23’s territorial gains since the beginning of the year, Rwanda has consistently denied any connection to the rebel group. Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo stated, “We’re not interested in war, we’re not interested in annexation, we’re not interested in regime change,” and the troop deployment aims only to control the conflict’s spread.

The insurgency’s takeover of Goma has raised significant concerns for its nearly 2 million residents, who now face violence and food insecurity. Tens of thousands have lost access to water and electricity, with over 178,000 Congolese people displaced due to the violence. Additionally, Congolese officials accuse M23 of plundering the region’s rich mineral resources, a view echoed by United Nations reports.

Earlier in January, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that M23’s actions intensified the risk of regional warfare, demanding the group to cease offensive activities and withdraw from occupied territories. The United States has voiced support for the UN’s call for an immediate ceasefire, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing the situation as “deeply troubling” following his conversation with President Kagame.

In response to the escalating conflict, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened an emergency meeting in Zimbabwe. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that recent clashes resulted in the deaths of 13 South African peacekeepers, blaming M23 and the Rwandan Defense Force for the violence. Troops from Malawi and Tanzania have also been reported as casualties in the fight to restore peace in the region.

The current conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo involves the M23 rebel group, which has been attempting to take control of key territories such as Goma. Rwanda’s involvement, whether direct or indirect, in supporting these rebels has raised tensions in the already unstable eastern DRC, which is rich in minerals and prone to violence. The DRC government has faced ongoing challenges in establishing authority and safeguarding the rights of its citizens amidst foreign allegations and humanitarian crises. The international community, including organizations like the United Nations and neighboring countries, has shown concern regarding the conflict’s implications, emphasizing the potential for a broader regional conflict if unrest continues. The situation remains critical as governments engage in diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region while addressing the humanitarian impact of displacement and violence on local communities.

In conclusion, the accusations of illegal occupation leveled by DRC’s Foreign Minister against Rwanda reflect deepening tensions amid the ongoing conflict with M23. The situation remains precarious, with Goma’s residents facing immediate humanitarian crises. The international community’s response, particularly through the U.N. and SADC, is crucial in addressing both the violent activities of rebel groups and the overarching threat of regional instability. The urgent calls for ceasefire and accountability underscore the need for a structured resolution to the conflict.

Original Source: www.upi.com