DR Congo and Rwanda are convening an emergency summit as M23 rebels threaten to capture Goma amidst escalating violence. The humanitarian crisis is severe, with casualties rising and many displaced. Protests erupted in Kinshasa against perceived inaction from foreign nations, while the UN and African Union have called for ceasefire and accountability regarding the conflict’s escalation.
Leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda are set for a critical emergency summit as M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwandan troops, appear poised to capture the vital city of Goma. President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC will convene with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kenya to address the escalating conflict that has already resulted in significant loss of life and a deepening humanitarian emergency.
The M23 coalition has recently taken control of strategic areas including Goma’s airport, amidst clashes that have led to over one hundred fatalities and nearly a thousand injuries, severely straining local healthcare resources. The situation remains chaotic, with uncertainty regarding territorial control between Congolese forces and M23 rebels, who claimed dominion over the city earlier this week.
Reports indicate a concerning surrender of over 1,200 Congolese soldiers to M23 forces, intensifying the challenges faced by President Tshisekedi. The summit scheduled for Wednesday seeks to address both the immediate military crisis and the underlying causes stemming from historical tensions linked to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide.
Escalating violence has precipitated a growing humanitarian crisis, displacing hundreds of thousands, as the UN warns of widespread food shortages and healthcare collapse in Goma. Eyewitness accounts from civilians speak of chaos and devastation, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention and support to stabilize the region.
Protests against foreign embassies erupted in Kinshasa, reflecting frustration among local citizens due to perceived international inaction. Demonstrators targeted diplomatic missions including those of the US, France, and Rwanda, leading to official warnings about security concerns. Concurrently, the International Committee of the Red Cross is mobilizing resources to aid the influx of casualties in Goma, raising alarms about the potential spread of disease from overwhelmed medical facilities.
At a recent UN Security Council meeting, officials highlighted a dire need to prevent a resurgence of ethnic conflicts in the region, which could exacerbate the already precarious situation. The African Union called for an urgent ceasefire and for M23 to cease hostilities, with the DRC government criticizing the vagueness of UN responses regarding Rwanda’s involvement in fueling the conflict.
Furthermore, the DRC accuses Rwanda of exploiting the region’s mineral wealth, demanding increased international accountability and action against M23’s advancements. While Rwanda counters by stating its involvement aims to combat armed groups, international and regional calls for restraint grow louder, underscoring the complex geopolitical dimensions of this crisis.
The recent escalation follows a prior brief occupation of Goma by M23 in 2012, and subsequent re-emergence in 2021, indicating the persistent instability within North Kivu province. A UN report confirmed the presence of Rwandan forces alongside M23 rebels, which complicates the situation and necessitates urgent diplomatic engagements to restore peace and security in the area.
The ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is rooted in historical tensions dating back to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The M23 group has re-emerged as a powerful force within the region, exacerbating local conflicts and drawing regional actors into a complex web of military and political maneuvers. The humanitarian implications are dire, as the conflict has caused mass displacements and challenges in food security and health, igniting international concern and calls for engagement.
The situation in the DRC, particularly around Goma, reflects a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict influenced by historical legacies and regional dynamics. The emergency summit between President Tshisekedi and President Kagame highlights the diplomatic efforts being undertaken to de-escalate tensions. However, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained international attention and intervention to prevent further suffering and instability in the region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
