Crisis Talks as M23 Rebels Threaten Goma in DR Congo
DR Congo’s President Tshisekedi is set to meet with Rwandan leader Kagame as M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, close in on Goma, seizing the airport amid intense clashes causing high casualties. The crisis has spurred protests in Kinshasa, and the humanitarian situation is dire, with the UN warning of massive displacements and healthcare failures.
In an urgent call for dialogue, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi is scheduled to meet Rwandan President Paul Kagame for an emergency summit in response to escalating violence in Goma, where M23 rebels, reportedly supported by Rwandan troops, have intensified their offensive. The rebels seized Goma’s airport amidst fierce battles that resulted in over 100 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries, as documented by local hospitals overwhelmed with casualties.
The current security situation remains precarious, with the extent of control between Congolese forces and M23 still uncertain. Following a series of clashes, M23 fighters claim to have significant control over the city, while eyewitness reports indicate that only their forces and Rwandan troops are present on Goma’s streets.
As a humanitarian crisis unfolds, the United Nations has raised alarms about the influx of internally displaced persons, severe food shortages, and a collapsing healthcare system. Evacuations have increased massively, and current conditions have become dire with hospitals filled to capacity.
Amidst the violence, protesters in Kinshasa expressed frustration by attacking foreign embassies, including those of France and the United States, demanding international intervention to stop the conflict in the east. The U.S. embassy subsequently advised its citizens to exit the country due to safety concerns exacerbated by these demonstrations.
The International Committee of the Red Cross is urgently addressing the medical needs resulting from the unrest, while the UN has warned of possible dangerous outbreaks of diseases if crucial medical samples are harmed during ongoing violence. With half a million people displaced in 2023 alone, the conflict’s toll on human lives continues to rise.
The African Union has called for an immediate ceasefire, urging M23 to cease hostilities. Tensions oscillate as accusations against Rwanda persist regarding its military support for the rebel group, while Rwanda defends its actions as necessary in combatting other armed threats. Previous ceasefires and diplomatic solutions, including recent mediated talks, have failed to bring lasting peace to North Kivu.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has long faced instability in its eastern regions, exacerbated by historical conflicts rooted in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The M23 rebels, armed and allegedly backed by Rwanda, have posed significant threats to the sovereignty of the DRC, particularly in the North Kivu province surrounding Goma. This ongoing conflict not only raises humanitarian concerns but also threatens to rekindle ethnic tensions from past genocides. The involvement of international entities like the United Nations and the African Union underscores the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions to ensure regional stability and protect civilian lives.
The ongoing crisis in Goma reflects deeply entrenched regional issues marked by historical grievances and political instability. As President Tshisekedi and President Kagame converge for crucial talks, the global community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe. The situation calls for immediate international attention and support to address both the military and humanitarian crises afflicting the DRC.
Original Source: www.france24.com
