Escalation of Conflict in Eastern DR Congo: M23 Fighters Advance in Goma
Rwanda-backed M23 fighters have advanced into eastern DR Congo, capturing Goma amid heavy fighting, prompting calls for urgent talks. The humanitarian crisis in the region worsens, with food and water shortages affecting displaced populations. International bodies are urging Rwanda to withdraw its forces as tensions escalate, posing a threat of further regional instability.
On Wednesday, Rwanda-backed fighters escalated their offensive in eastern DR Congo, securing control over the significant city of Goma following fierce clashes with the Congolese military. This surge of the M23 armed group has spurred mediator Angola to call for immediate discussions, amid increasing international concern and alerts regarding a worsening humanitarian crisis.
DR Congo has appealed to the global community to intervene against the M23’s advance through its mineral-rich eastern region, which has been afflicted by years of conflict linked to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Reports indicated that the Congolese military had not yet commented on the M23’s latest movements in South Kivu province, where heavy fighting recently occurred.
Calmness began to return to Goma on Wednesday as residents cautiously emerged after days of intense conflict. “Today we are not afraid,” stated Goma resident Jean de Dieu, though his fellow citizen, Kahindo Sifa, highlighted the dire situation, mentioning hunger and a lack of medicine.
In light of international calls for peace, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi declined to engage in discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The East African Community’s heads of state urged DR Congo to involve all concerned parties, including the M23 and other discontented armed factions.
Angola has advocated for urgent meetings between the leaders of DR Congo and Rwanda in Luanda following a recent failed dialogue attempt. The M23 fighters, alongside Rwandan troops, took control of Goma’s airport and other strategic locations over the weekend, with the latest reports indicating their unopposed advance in South Kivu.
The ongoing conflict has exacerbated an already critical humanitarian crisis, leading to shortages in food and water and displacing over half a million individuals this month, according to UN data. Reports confirm that more than 100 lives were lost and nearly 1,000 injuries occurred from recent clashes in Goma.
On the ground, the situation remains precarious as the M23 and Rwandan soldiers occupy downtown Goma, with media reports of Congolese soldiers being paraded through the streets by M23 fighters. Desperation spurred looting, highlighting the deteriorating conditions within the city, as student Merdi Kambelenge remarked on the disconnect from communication due to power outages.
Amidst fury over the continuing unrest, protesters in Kinshasa expressed their anger towards international entities deemed ineffective in alleviating the situation in the east. Following violent demonstrations, the authorities banned further protests as the capital calmed on Wednesday, and the US facilitated the evacuation of non-emergency personnel from its embassy.
International entities including the UN, US, EU, and China have collectively urged Rwanda to withdraw its forces, yet Rwandan officials asserted that the M23’s operation would persist. Vincent Karega, Rwanda’s ambassador for the Great Lakes, warned that M23 might push further into DR Congo, possibly threatening Kinshasa.
Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of exploiting the instability to benefit from the region’s mineral resources, while UN experts support assertions of Rwanda’s military control over the M23. Rwanda has consistently denied these accusations, emphasizing its objective of neutralizing armed groups like the FDLR, formed by perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.
The conflict in eastern DR Congo has a profound historical context, tracing back to the Rwandan genocide of 1994, which triggered waves of violence and instability in the region. The M23 armed group has emerged as a significant player within this context, often supported by Rwanda, leading to tensions that have spurred diplomatic efforts for peacemaking. The mineral wealth of DR Congo attracts external interests, complicating local conflicts and humanitarian crises.
The advancing offensive by Rwanda-backed fighters in eastern DR Congo has intensified regional tensions and led to critical humanitarian concerns. International calls for mediated discussions and diplomatic intervention have been made as the conflict risks worsening, further displacing populations and straining resources. The historical complexities, coupled with ongoing humanitarian threats, underscore the urgent need for effective resolutions to restore peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
