Rwanda-Backed Fighters Advance in DR Congo, Triggering Humanitarian Crisis
M23 fighters, backed by Rwanda, have seized control of Goma in DR Congo, prompting urgent calls for dialogue as the humanitarian crisis worsens. The Congolese government has urged the world to intervene and halt the M23’s advance, which has roots in historical conflicts stemming from the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Tensions rise as international pressure increases for peace talks amid a dire humanitarian situation.
On Wednesday, Rwanda-backed fighters from the M23 group advanced on a second front in eastern DR Congo, taking control of significant parts of Goma after intense clashes with the Congolese military. This escalation sparked urgent calls for negotiations from Angola, along with mounting international concern and warnings of a potential humanitarian crisis emerging in the region.
The Congolese government has implored the global community to intervene in halting the M23’s progression, which reflects a deep-rooted conflict partly stemming from the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Sources have indicated that the Congolese army had yet to respond to the latest advances in South Kivu by the M23.
Calm returned to Goma on Wednesday as residents began to leave their homes; however, many reported severe shortages of basic necessities. Resident Jean de Dieu expressed a feeling of safety, while another resident, Kahindo Sifa, highlighted dire circumstances, stating, “There is hunger in Goma. We have to go get water from the lake and we have no medicine.”
Amid international appeals to resolve the escalating crisis, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi declined to engage in talks with Rwandan President Paul Kagame during a recent Eastern African Community summit. The summit’s statement emphasized the need for direct communication between the DRC government and the M23 group to address ongoing grievances.
Angola, having previously mediated talks that collapsed last month, urged both leaders to meet urgently to discuss future steps. Following the M23’s occupation of Goma, they reportedly seized strategic areas in South Kivu with little resistance, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
The UN reports that the conflict has already displaced half a million individuals this month, exacerbating existing food and water shortages. The recent clashes in Goma resulted in over 100 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries, stressing the urgency for aid amidst overwhelmed medical facilities.
Analysis of the situation shows the Congolese military struggling to maintain control as many soldiers have either fled or been captured. Local sources observed M23 fighters overseeing captured Congolese military personnel amid reports of widespread looting.
In Kinshasa, the nation’s capital, protests erupted against embassies for perceived negligence in quelling east DRC’s chaos. The government responded by banning further demonstrations after unrest spread, although order was restored by Wednesday. The U.S. and Belgium both advised their citizens to leave the region amidst rising tensions.
Various international actors, including the UN and EU, have urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops, as the M23’s advance is believed to be motivated by the goal of controlling the region’s rich mineral resources. Rwanda’s ambassador, Vincent Karega, stated that the M23’s offensive would persist, potentially extending towards the Congolese capital.
DR Congo’s mineral wealth, including gold and critical minerals like cobalt and coltan, remains a focal point of conflict. The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of seeking profit from these resources, accusations supported by UN findings suggesting extensive Rwandan military involvement in controlling the M23, which Rwanda disputes, asserting its objective is to eliminate a local militia linked to the genocide.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, particularly around the city of Goma, has its roots in historical tensions dating back to the Rwandan genocide. The M23 armed group, reportedly supported by Rwanda, has capitalized on the region’s instability and mineral wealth, which has long been a source of contention. Previous peace efforts have failed, prompting renewed calls for dialogue amidst a dire humanitarian crisis affecting thousands.
In summary, the situation in eastern DR Congo is critical as Rwanda-backed M23 fighters continue their offensive, exacerbating an already severe humanitarian crisis. Despite international calls for dialogue, local unrest persists, with the Congolese government under mounting pressure to engage in negotiations. The region’s rich mineral resources remain attractive, complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability.
Original Source: www.wfxg.com
