Renewed Fighting in DR Congo Amid Ceasefire Efforts by Regional Powers
Renewed fighting in the eastern DRC between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and pro-government forces has escalated despite regional ceasefire efforts. This resurgence follows recent clashes in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces and ongoing peace negotiations involving regional leaders and former heads of state. The situation is further complicated by tensions with Burundi, highlighting the complexity of achieving stability in the region.
Renewed conflict has emerged in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels engaging pro-government fighters in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. This escalation follows recent virtual discussions by regional mediators from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) focusing on reviving ceasefire efforts. Despite these diplomatic efforts, clashes occurred on Tuesday, highlighting the challenges to maintaining peace.
The ongoing hostilities have seen the M23 rebels swiftly advance since January, capturing major cities such as Goma and Bukavu. This resurgence has resulted in significant casualties and the displacement of numerous civilians. Tensions reignited on Monday as the rebels did not follow through on their commitment to withdraw from Walikale, prompting local civil society activists, like Muhindo Tafuteni, to report fighting near Lake Edward, along the border with Uganda.
Corneille Nangaa, a leader of the Congo River Alliance of rebel factions, has vowed to persist in the conflict, emphasizing their struggle to secure the future of the Congo. He dismissed last week’s negotiations between Congolese and Rwandan leaders in Qatar, asserting that initiatives excluded from their participation would ultimately fail. “Anything regarding us which is done without us, it’s against us,” he stated.
Efforts towards peacekeeping are being promoted by EAC and SADC leaders, who gathered to implement a ceasefire initiative addressing not only the current violence but also historical tensions stemming from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. To facilitate peace negotiations, former heads of state from Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Central African Republic have been appointed to oversee this process. The DRC presidency announced that a new mediator would soon be designated.
The situation is further complicated by tensions involving Burundi, with President Evariste Ndayishimiye alleging that Rwanda may be supporting an insurgent group aimed at destabilizing Burundi, similar to M23’s actions in the DRC. Ndayishimiye has asserted that Burundians will not passively accept violence against them. In response, Rwanda’s government has expressed astonishment at these claims, highlighting ongoing discussions between their security forces aimed at border protection.
The conflict in eastern DRC continues to escalate amidst renewed battles between M23 rebels and pro-government forces, despite ongoing regional mediation efforts. The involvement of international leaders and the historical context of the conflict underscore the complexity of achieving lasting peace. Furthermore, increasing tensions in the region, particularly with Burundi, indicate a broader instability influenced by regional dynamics. Thus, the quest for peace remains fraught with challenges and requires collaborative efforts among all involved parties.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
