The DR Congo government has accused Rwanda of military actions in Goma after M23 rebels asserted control over the city. Congo reported artillery exchanges with Rwanda, while civilians suffered casualties near the border. A jailbreak occurred amid rising chaos, and the UN Security Council has condemned the aggression. Kenyan President Ruto announced a crisis summit to foster dialogue, emphasizing the need for direct engagement to resolve the conflict in Eastern Congo.
The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of conducting military operations within the North Kivu province, specifically in Goma, following claims from Rwandan-backed M23 rebels regarding their control over the city. Patrick Muyaya, the government spokesperson, stated that the authorities are actively working to prevent violence amid Rwanda’s asserted aggression and encouraged residents to remain indoors to deter looting and vandalism.
According to UN reports, Congolese forces engaged in artillery exchanges with Rwandan troops along their shared border. Rwandan officials reported civilian casualties near Gisenyi, emphasizing the grave humanitarian implications of the conflict. The border near Goma was subsequently closed following the escalating tensions and the rebel offensive.
Amidst these developments, Goma experienced a chaotic jailbreak due to a fire at Munzenze prison, exacerbating the instability in the region. The UN Security Council has condemned the offensive actions, urging both internal and external parties to respect Congo’s sovereignty.
In a diplomatic effort to resolve the crisis, Kenyan President William Ruto announced that the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) had agreed to participate in a crisis summit to discuss peaceful resolutions. He emphasized the need for direct dialogue with M23 rebels, underscoring the futility of a military approach to the ongoing turmoil.
The conflict in Eastern Congo, fueled by Rwanda’s backing of the M23 group, has led to immense humanitarian challenges, displacing over 7 million individuals. The region’s rich mineral resources have historically attracted various armed factions, contributing to ongoing violence and instability. Previous negotiations mediated by Angola between the two nations collapsed due to disagreements over direct talks with the rebels.
The situation in Eastern Congo has been characterized by longstanding conflict, deeply rooted in the region’s rich mineral resources. The M23 rebel group, primarily consisting of ethnic Tutsi fighters, has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda, which has denied these claims while admitting to deploying its troops in the area. This tension has resulted in repeated outbreaks of violence, impacting both governance and the civilian population, leading to severe humanitarian crises, including widespread displacement.
The conflict between DR Congo and Rwanda persists with a dangerous escalation in Goma, prompting international condemnation and calls for diplomacy. As party leaders prepare for a potential crisis summit, the importance of direct discussions with rebel factions is underscored to find non-military solutions. The humanitarian toll continues to rise, highlighting the urgent need for peaceful conflict resolution in this resource-rich region.
Original Source: www.dw.com
