The Rwandan army has reportedly mobilized forces to support M23 militants in capturing Goma in the DRC. Recent skirmishes have heightened tensions, prompting urgent humanitarian concerns amid ongoing conflict. The situation has raised questions about Western foreign policy and Rwanda’s influence as the UN Security Council prepares for an emergency meeting regarding the crisis.
Recently, considerable numbers of Rwandan military personnel have been crossing into the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the intention of supporting the M23 militia in capturing the strategic city of Goma. Intelligence officials have indicated that this troop movement is occurring ahead of an emergency United Nations meeting concerning the ongoing crisis. Reports suggest that Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) units have been deployed close to the border, intensifying hostilities in the region.
Fierce clashes have been reported on the outskirts of Goma, with skirmishes occurring between M23 militants and the Congolese army throughout the weekend. These confrontations have resulted in casualties, including the deaths of three South African peacekeepers. The M23 frontlines are reportedly drawing closer to Goma, with fighting now occurring almost at the city’s limits while bypassing extensive refugee camps housing over a million displaced individuals.
While a significant offensive by the M23 was countered overnight, sources indicate that efforts to secure Goma are ongoing, driven by the intention to establish control before international scrutiny heightens following a UN Security Council emergency meeting slated for Monday. Historical context shows that when the M23 last captured Goma in 2012, their forces retreated under severe international pressure, suggesting the current objective is to assert influence decisively before such pressure mounts again.
The Rwandan military’s actions have escalated tensions, with reports indicating that they may not stop at Goma but could also attempt to take the city of Bukavu, located nearby at the southern tip of Lake Kivu. The M23 insurgency has gained momentum, rapidly advancing through the mineral-rich eastern DRC. Recently, they have gained control of strategic locations, severely threatening supply lines into Goma and raising humanitarian concerns in the region.
Clémentine de Montjoye from Human Rights Watch has expressed alarm regarding the situation in Goma, highlighting the critical humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict. She emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and providing access to essential humanitarian relief in the face of growing water and power shortages, exacerbated by the influx of displaced persons seeking safety within the city.
Criticism has arisen regarding the West’s perceived inaction, particularly among key nations such as the UK, US, and France, regarding Rwanda’s actions and its leader Paul Kagame. The assertion is that these countries maintain a close relationship with Kagame, which may be influencing their response to the crisis. Meanwhile, the European Union has openly called on Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 and withdraw its forces from the conflict area.
The article details the current military developments involving the Rwandan army’s involvement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid rising tensions surrounding the M23 militia’s aggressive maneuvers to seize control of Goma. This conflict is rooted in a complex history of Rwandan influence in the DRC, especially concerning previous encounters with the M23 group. The international response, particularly from Western countries, is scrutinized for its effectiveness and the perceived closeness to Rwandan leadership, which complicates the overall dynamics of the crisis. The significance of Goma as a strategic location, compounded by concerns for millions of displaced residents, underscores the urgency of the situation as humanitarian needs escalate. The article underscores the impact of troop movements and clashes on both the local population and the international community’s political response.
In summary, the article highlights the critical situation in Goma, where the Rwandan army is poised to support the M23 militia in overtaking the city amidst escalating violence. The military actions have raised urgent humanitarian concerns and prompted international scrutiny, particularly from Western nations regarding their relationship with Rwanda. As the UN Security Council prepares to convene, the future of Goma and its residents remains precarious, dependent on military outcomes and international political dynamics.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
