DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi declined to attend regional peace talks regarding the Goma crisis amid ongoing fighting with M23 rebels. The conflict, exacerbated by accusations of Rwandan support for the rebels, has disrupted essential services and led to public protests in Kinshasa targeting foreign embassies. The humanitarian situation continues to worsen as casualties mount and aid organizations struggle to respond.
President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has declined to participate in peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Goma, a city facing significant unrest due to rebel activities. The talks were organized by Kenyan President William Ruto, who invited both Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to a regional summit following violent clashes that have resulted in numerous casualties, as reported by state media.
Amid accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group, Goma has been the focal point of intense fighting, leading to humanitarian concerns as corpses lay in the streets and essential services were disrupted. Tshisekedi’s absence from the summit, called by Ruto as part of the East African Community efforts, raises questions about potential diplomatic solutions to the crisis, though his official news agency did not specify reasons for his non-participation.
Reports indicate that while fighting has decreased, sporadic gunfire persists, prompting residents to search for increasingly scarce food supplies. Hospitals in the area are reportedly overwhelmed with casualties from ongoing violence, and looted warehouses further complicate the humanitarian situation, as aid organizations scramble to provide essential resources amid the chaos.
Public sentiment towards the crisis has resulted in protests targeting foreign embassies in the capital, Kinshasa, as citizens demand international intervention. At least ten embassies have been affected by demonstrators who expressed their outrage over the handling of the situation in Goma and the apparent inaction of the global community as the conflict escalates.
The conflict in the DRC, particularly around Goma, has deep historical roots involving ethnic tensions, political power struggles, and foreign influence. The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has captured significant territory in eastern Congo, including strategic locations such as the airport in Goma. Previous peace initiatives have failed to resolve the ongoing violence, complicating the humanitarian crisis faced by civilians. The United Nations has documented extensive evidence of Rwandan support for the rebels, which the Rwandan government has consistently denied, adding another layer of complexity to the regional conflict.
The refusal of President Félix Tshisekedi to engage in peace talks amid the Goma crisis highlights the deepening tensions and unresolved issues in the region. With continued fighting and rising humanitarian needs, it is vital for regional leaders to address the conflict directly. The situation remains precarious as citizens demand assistance and international attention to end the violence and restore stability to the affected areas.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
