DR Congo Breaks Relations with Rwanda as M23 Rebels Near Goma

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda amid escalating violence from the M23 rebel group, which threatens Goma. The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties among peacekeepers and displaced thousands of residents. Rwanda denies involvement with M23, while international forces work to stabilize the area, raising concerns of a significant humanitarian crisis as civilians flee the violence.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has officially severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda amid escalating tensions and violence from the rebel group M23, which is advancing on the eastern city of Goma. The fighting has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers, along with the displacement of thousands of civilians within the region.

In recent weeks, the M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, has captured significant territory close to the border, heightening fears for the provincial capital of Goma, which is home to approximately 2 million people. This area serves as a critical hub for both security and humanitarian efforts in the region plagued by one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.

The Congolese government, supported by the United States and United Nations experts, has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 insurgents, composed mainly of ethnic Tutsis who previously defected from the Congolese army over a decade ago. Rwanda denies these allegations but acknowledges the presence of its troops in eastern Congo for security reasons, indicating concerns over the movement of Congolese forces near its border.

In response to the increasing violence, the Congolese Foreign Ministry announced the immediate expulsion of its diplomatic staff from Rwanda. Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council has accelerated its emergency meeting to address the deteriorating situation, following a request from Congo. Reports indicate that Goma is still experiencing gunfire, adding to the urgency felt by local residents and the displaced.

Civilians fleeing the conflict express despair over their uncertain futures. One displaced individual described witnessing soldiers near the border engaging in bombings, prompting dangerous journeys south into Goma. Others fear for their safety there, with concerns that Goma itself is not immune to the violence.

A significant number of people attempted to cross into Rwanda for refuge, while migration officers conducted thorough checks at the border. Recent advances by M23 have raised alarms after the group captured territory only 27 kilometers from Goma, leading local authorities to resist the rebel onslaught with allied forces, including South African and Uruguayan troops, who have incurred casualties.

The Congolese army, along with international allies, had been successful in preventing M23 from advancing towards Goma since 2021. The U.N. peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, has been stationed in Congo for over twenty years, providing a necessary presence with approximately 14,000 peacekeepers on the ground to support stability.

The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo involves numerous armed groups, most notably the M23 rebel group, which has its roots in historical ethnic tensions and has been involved in a protracted struggle for control over the region rich in resources. Rwanda’s alleged involvement complicates matters further and raises concerns within the international community. The area surrounding Goma has become a focal point in this conflict due to its strategic importance and the humanitarian crises that have arisen. The relationship between Congo and Rwanda has been historically tumultuous, with accusations of interference, leading to heightened tensions whenever violence erupts in the Kivu provinces. The current situation reflects decades of humanitarian issues in the region, where insurgencies and international interventions have created a precarious living situation for millions of civilians who continue to suffer the consequences of conflict.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces a critical juncture in its ongoing conflict with the M23 rebel group, leading to a severance of diplomatic ties with Rwanda amidst escalating violence. With Goma at risk of falling into rebel hands, thousands of civilians are fleeing in search of safety, while international efforts amplify to address the crisis. The situation remains fluid, marked by concerns over the humanitarian plight of those affected and the broader implications for regional stability.

Original Source: www.france24.com