Congo has cut diplomatic ties with Rwanda as M23 rebels approach Goma, causing significant civilian displacement and at least 13 peacekeeper deaths. Rwanda denies supporting the rebels yet admits to maintaining troops in the region. The U.N. Security Council is convening an emergency session in response to the violence, which has escalated recently, threatening the safety of millions in the region.
GOMA, Congo (AP) — The Congolese government has severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda amid intense clashes between government forces and the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel group near Goma. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 13 peacekeepers and other foreign soldiers, while thousands of civilians have been displaced. The M23 rebels have advanced significantly in the region, threatening the strategic eastern city of Goma, which serves as a critical point for regional humanitarian and security efforts.
Accusations have been directed at Rwanda by Congo, the United States, and U.N. experts, claiming that Rwanda is aiding the M23 group, which consists mainly of ethnic Tutsis who had previously defected from the Congolese military. Despite this, Rwanda has denied these allegations but admitted to having troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to protect its national security. The presence of Congolese forces near the border has heightened these security concerns, with U.N. estimates suggesting up to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers could be in the Congolese territory.
In response to the escalating situation, the Congolese Foreign Ministry announced the immediate cessation of diplomatic ties with Rwanda, recalling all its diplomatic staff from the Rwandan capital. Rwanda has yet to issue a response to this decisive move. The U.N. Security Council has convened an emergency meeting to address the intensifying violence, with Congo having requested an expedited schedule for the meeting originally set for Monday.
Gunfire has been reported in Goma as residents, particularly displaced families, seek refuge in the city center. Earlier in the week, M23 rebels had taken control of Sake, posing a significant threat to Goma located just 27 kilometers away. The Congolese military, with the assistance of U.N. forces and the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC), managed to repel an M23 offensive but sustained losses, with several peacekeepers confirmed dead in recent clashes.
During clashes over the past two days, fatalities included South African and Uruguayan peacekeepers, highlighting the dangers faced by international forces in the region. Both MONUSCO, the U.N. peacekeeping force, and allied forces have been striving to maintain stability in eastern Congo since the M23’s resurgence in 2021. The ongoing engagement underscores the persistent humanitarian crisis in the region as various armed groups continue to vie for power.
The conflict in eastern Congo has roots in a complex history involving ethnic tensions, territorial disputes, and external influence from neighboring countries, particularly Rwanda. The M23 rebel group emerged from previous conflicts in the region, claiming to represent the interests of the Tutsi community in Congo. Rising violence has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions of civilians affected and displaced, necessitating international peacekeeping efforts. Recently, the situation has escalated further, prompting response measures from both national and international entities, including diplomatic shifts and military mobilization.
The severing of ties between Congo and Rwanda amid the M23 rebel advance highlights the deteriorating security situation in the region. The conflict has not only resulted in significant casualties among peacekeepers but has also displaced thousands of civilians, compounding the humanitarian crisis. This escalating violence necessitates urgent international attention and intervention to restore stability and ensure the safety of affected populations.
Original Source: apnews.com
