DR Congo’s President Tshisekedi announced a vigorous military response against the advancing M23 rebels, who are backed by Rwanda. The ongoing conflict has captured key territories like Goma, prompting urgent calls for humanitarian assistance and dialogue. Tshisekedi condemned the international community’s inaction, warning of an escalating crisis and regional instability, while the humanitarian situation continues to worsen.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has expressed concern over the international community’s inaction regarding the escalating security crisis in the eastern part of the country. He stated that Congolese troops are mounting a vigorous military effort against the advancing M23 rebels, who are believed to be backed by Rwanda. The situation is critical, with the M23 having taken control of significant territories, including the city of Goma.
Tshisekedi labeled the lack of a timely response from the international community as “an affront” to the DRC and indicated that the rising threats could escalate into broader regional instability. In light of the worsening crisis that has displaced thousands and resulted in significant casualties, he asserted that a coordinated response against the rebel forces and their sponsors was underway.
Reports from the region indicate that the M23 has recently captured two additional districts. The humanitarian situation in eastern Congo is deteriorating significantly, with civilians facing hunger, water shortages, and limited access to medical care as fighting continues. In a televised address, Tshisekedi reiterated the need for international action and dialogue involving all stakeholders, including the M23.
Despite international calls for peace talks, Tshisekedi opted out of crisis discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, while the regional bloc urged direct engagement with the M23. The M23’s recent advances have resulted in widespread chaos, prompting protests in the capital, Kinshasa. DRC has accused Rwanda of exacerbating the conflict to exploit its vast mineral wealth, a claim denied by Rwanda itself.
The United Nations and several nations, including the United States, have vocally urged Rwanda to withdraw its forces from the conflict zone. In response to the hostilities, subsequent evacuations of non-emergency personnel have occurred, reflecting the severity of the conflict. Furthermore, experts suggest that the current aggression by the M23 may continue, posing serious risks to regional stability and security.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo is rooted in decades of instability and violence, influenced in part by the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This area is controlled by numerous armed groups, with the M23 being one of the most prominent. The group has re-emerged in recent months, leading a swift advance in territory, exacerbating humanitarian crises, and attracting widespread attention from the international community regarding potential intervention and conflict resolution. International relations in the region are strained; the DRC accuses neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23 in order to exploit its mineral riches, a sentiment echoed by UN reports. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with the local population facing food and water shortages due to the ongoing violence. Dialogue among regional stakeholders has become crucial, but there are significant barriers to effective negotiation and collaboration amid heightened tensions and militarization.
In summary, President Tshisekedi of the DRC is mounting a vigorous response to the M23’s advances in eastern Congo, condemning the international community for its inaction amidst escalating violence. With humanitarian crises deepening and civilian unrest growing, it is imperative that international support be mobilized to provide assistance and facilitate peace negotiations. The potential for wider conflict remains high if these challenges are not promptly and effectively addressed.
Original Source: www.france24.com
