DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has committed to a vigorous military response against M23 rebels, who have advanced into Goma, escalating the region’s long-standing conflict. The international community’s silence has been criticized. Regional actors are holding emergency summits to resolve tensions as Tshisekedi calls for coordinated military action against the perceived terrorism of M23 and their sponsors.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has declared a robust military response to the advancing M23 fighters, who have significantly gained ground in the eastern region, specifically seizing control of the city of Goma. The M23, characterized as a Rwanda-backed rebel group, represents a disturbing escalation in ongoing conflicts, notably in a region rife with longstanding violence.
The M23’s recent actions have alarmed regional actors, prompting emergency summits among Eastern and Southern African entities. International bodies including the United Nations and the European Union have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities amid escalating tensions. President Tshisekedi criticized the global community for its silence, perceiving it as an affront amid a deteriorating security crisis that could exacerbate regional instability.
In his address, Tshisekedi emphasized the need for a vigorous and coordinated military action against M23 rebels, whom he described as terrorists, along with their supporters. Despite the call for peace negotiations by the East African Community, Tshisekedi opted not to attend a crisis meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, indicating the fragile diplomatic situation.
Separately, President Kagame conveyed through social media that Rwanda is unable to fulfill the role of mediator in the ongoing conflicts. This comes amid the loss of 13 South African soldiers in the DRC, highlighting the dire situation for peacekeeping forces currently stationed there. An urgent summit has been convened by the Southern African Development Community to address these pressing concerns, while Angola has expressed a desire for dialogue between the DRC and Rwandan leadership.
The situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is marked by a complex web of violence, involving numerous armed groups, including the M23, which is believed to be backed by Rwanda. The capture of Goma by M23 indicates an alarming intensification of conflict that has persisted for years. The international community’s involvement has historically been challenged by varied responses, with recent calls for peace underscoring the urgency of addressing escalating tensions. President Tshisekedi’s remarks reflect a growing frustration within the DRC regarding the perceived lack of international support as the nation faces numerous security threats. The East African Community and other regional organizations have attempted to mediate, yet tensions remain high, complicating peace efforts.
In summary, the Democratic Republic of the Congo faces a critical escalation of conflict with the recent advances of M23 rebels. President Tshisekedi’s commitment to a vigorous military response highlights the urgency of the situation, especially given the international community’s perceived inaction. As regional entities convene to address these conflicts, the possibility for peace remains uncertain amidst ongoing violence and diplomatic strain between the DRC and Rwanda.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
