Renewed Violence in Eastern DRC as M23 Rebels Resume Offensive
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have resumed military operations in eastern DRC, capturing a mining town and increasing violence in the region. The United Nations reports nearly 2,900 deaths following the recent battles for Goma. International diplomatic efforts are underway as regional leaders prepare to meet amid ongoing unrest and humanitarian concerns.
Rebels affiliated with the M23 and Rwandan forces have initiated a renewed offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), coinciding with an impending summit between the Rwandan and Congolese leaders. The United Nations reports that the recent battle for Goma has tragically resulted in approximately 2,900 deaths, a substantial increase from the earlier figure of 900.
Despite announcing a unilateral ceasefire, the M23 and Rwandan troops resumed their military campaign by capturing a mining town in South Kivu province, advancing toward the provincial capital, Bukavu. This breach occurred just prior to the ceasefire’s intended activation, and intense fighting broke out near Nyabibwe, located 100 kilometers from Bukavu.
Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya criticized the M23’s ceasefire declaration, asserting it was merely a tactic. Over three years, the conflict between the Rwandan-backed M23 and the Congolese army has seen multiple ceasefires, all of which have collapsed. Sources reveal that military forces are reinforcing their positions across the region as tensions escalate.
The seizure of Goma marks a significant escalation in a conflict that has persisted for over three decades in this mineral-rich region. Vivian van de Perre, deputy chief of the UN peacekeeping mission in DRC, noted the recovery of at least 2,000 corpses from the streets, with 900 bodies remaining in morgues, indicating a severe humanitarian crisis.
International criminal court prosecutors have stated they are closely monitoring the eastern DRC for escalating violence. In Bukavu, residents gathered for a peace prayer service, voicing their exhaustion with the ongoing conflict and their desire for peace.
Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda are scheduled to attend a crisis summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as international diplomatic efforts intensify. Concurrently, the UN Human Rights Council will address the situation at a special session requested by Kinshasa, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution amidst rising tensions.
The DRC’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner expressed dissatisfaction with the international community’s response, alleging a lack of substantive action despite numerous declarations. Neighboring countries are also enhancing their defenses, anxious that the unrest may extend beyond DRC’s borders.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has long been a region marked by conflict due to its wealth in natural resources such as coltan, gold, and diamonds. The M23, a rebel group believed to be supported by Rwanda, has clashed repeatedly with the Congolese government, resulting in immense humanitarian crises and numerous ceasefire violations. In this context, the involvement of regional leaders and international bodies highlights both the complexity and urgency of the situation amid fears of a broader conflict.
In summary, the M23’s recent actions indicate a dangerous escalation in eastern DRC, compounding the already severe humanitarian crisis. With significant loss of life in Goma and impending international meetings, there is rising urgency for a strategic response to prevent further deterioration of peace. The situation demands a concerted effort from both regional leaders and the international community to restore stability in the region.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
