President Felix Tshisekedi has abandoned his Davos trip amid escalating conflict in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have captured significant territory, displacing over 400,000 people. The rebel group’s advancements pose threats to Goma, prompting urgent security discussions back home. UN officials warn of potential regional war as the situation deteriorates.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has terminated his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos due to escalating violence back home. The conflict in the eastern region has intensified significantly this year, predominantly driven by the M23 rebels, who are reportedly backed by Rwanda, and have substantially expanded their territorial control. Since the onset of this year, over 400,000 individuals have been displaced due to the fighting, particularly as the M23 advances toward Goma, a crucial provincial capital.
In recent weeks, the M23 rebels have successfully captured the towns of Masisi and Minova within North Kivu, heightening concerns about a potential takeover of Goma. Goma, which houses over a million residents and is situated near the Rwandan border, was previously occupied during a rebellion in 2012, emphasizing its strategic significance. On Thursday, the rebels claimed to have seized the town of Sake, located only approximately 20 kilometers from Goma, yet the Congolese army asserts that they successfully repelled the assault.
Many residents from Sake and surrounding areas, already vulnerable due to prior displacements, are fleeing amid the ongoing conflict. Individuals are reportedly escaping with basic necessities, such as mattresses, while others are overcrowded into wooden boats for safety. Since 2021, the M23 has exerted control over substantial portions of the mineral-rich eastern DRC, exacerbating the displacement crisis and prompting fears of a potential takeover of Goma.
There was an observable lull in hostilities in late July of the previous year; however, fighting reignited in October, intensifying toward the year’s end. Both the DRC government and United Nations have indicated that M23 relies on Rwandan support, a claim that Rwanda has neither confirmed nor denied. On Friday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned that the ongoing conflict poses risks of escalating into a larger regional war, calling for respect of the DRC’s sovereignty and the cessation of support for armed groups.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict for many years, particularly in its eastern regions where various armed groups, including the M23 rebel group, operate. The M23 has been accused of receiving backing from neighboring Rwanda, a contentious issue that underscores the complex dynamics of regional politics and security in central Africa. The fighting has led to significant human displacements, with the conflict deeply impacting the civilian population and infrastructure.
In summation, the situation in the DRC remains precarious as President Tshisekedi returns from Davos to address the escalating conflict with M23 rebels. The capture of strategic towns and the potential threat to Goma highlight the urgency of the situation. The international community, including the UN, is closely monitoring developments, urging respect for the DRC’s sovereignty and the cessation of support for armed factions. Continuous humanitarian crises in the region warrant attention and action.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
