DRC President Urges Military Enlistment Amid Rebel Advances
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have intensified their military advance in eastern DRC, capturing districts near Bukavu without recent resistance. President Félix Tshisekedi has called for youth to enlist in the army, vowing a strong response to the rebels. Amid growing international concern over Rwanda’s involvement, tensions escalate in a region rich in mineral resources, necessitating urgent action to prevent deeper conflict.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have advanced in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), capturing two districts in South Kivu without any recent fighting reported, according to local sources. These developments have occurred amid international calls for restraint, which appear to have had minimal effect on the situation. The rebels are moving towards Bukavu, the provincial capital, raising concerns about potential further escalation.
In a late-night address, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi urged the youth of the nation to enlist in the military, promising a “vigorous and coordinated response” to the rebel advances. Following the capture of Goma, North Kivu’s capital, by rebel forces and Rwandan troops, the DRC military faces increased pressure. Tshisekedi emphasized the importance of national defense and called for mass enlistment.
Tshisekedi expressed his displeasure with the international community’s silence regarding the security crisis, labeling it an affront given the deteriorating circumstances. He warned that a failure to address these issues could lead to further instability across the Great Lakes region. The president characterized the M23 rebels and their supporters as terrorists, pledging to take decisive counteractions.
The United Nations has reported the presence of approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops supporting the M23, significantly outnumbering the forces involved during the group’s previous incursion in 2012. International entities, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have expressed concern about Rwanda’s actions, while Germany has canceled its planned meeting with Rwandan officials.
Despite growing pressure, Vincent Karega, Rwanda’s ambassador for the Great Lakes region, stated that the M23 will continue their advance. Tshisekedi declined to participate in an emergency summit organized by the East African Community, which aimed to negotiate a ceasefire and engage in peace talks.
The DRC’s rich mineral resources, including gold and coltan, are a point of contention, with Kinshasa alleging that Rwanda is attempting to exploit these resources through military action. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations and maintains that its support for the M23 is aimed at neutralizing the FDLR, an armed group linked to historical violence.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC is rooted in a complex history involving various armed groups and regional power dynamics. The M23 group, which has previously captured significant territories, is believed to be backed by Rwandan forces seeking to influence or control the rich mineral resources of the region. The deteriorating security situation raises alarms not only for the DRC but for the broader Great Lakes region, highlighting geopolitics and international involvement. This current crisis is the most severe escalation since the conflicts of 2012, emphasizing the volatility of peace in the region. International responses range from condemnation to calls for negotiations, indicating the urgency of addressing the conflict and its implications.
The DRC faces significant challenges as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels advance into its territory, provoking President Tshisekedi’s call for military enlistment. International reactions are growing, with concerns regarding regional stability and resource exploitation. Without decisive action and cooperation between involved nations, the potential for further escalation and humanitarian crises remains high, demanding immediate attention from the global community.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
