Rwanda-backed M23 fighters have intensified their offensive in eastern DR Congo, seizing control of Goma and expanding into South Kivu. The conflict has prompted calls for urgent peace talks amid an escalating humanitarian crisis, with significant shortages affecting the local population. Protests erupt in Kinshasa over international inaction, and accusations of Rwandan involvement in the region’s resources loom large.
Rwanda-backed fighters have made significant advances in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), gaining control over most of the city of Goma amidst intense fighting with Congolese military forces. The M23 armed group has escalated its offensive, prompting urgent calls from regional mediator Angola for peace talks amid growing international concern over a potential humanitarian crisis. Residents of Goma report severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies following the fighting.
Following days of clashes, calm has returned to Goma, allowing some residents to leave their homes; however, reports reveal dire conditions including hunger and a lack of basic needs. Despite pressure to engage in dialogue, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi opted not to attend discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, as leaders from the East African Community called for peaceful conflict resolution.
The M23 has expanded its control to additional regions, including South Kivu, where no resistance was met during the recent offensives. This surge of violence has resulted in over 100 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as half a million individuals are displaced. The situation remains dire with the local health system overwhelmed and reports of looting and violence in the area.
Public protests have erupted in Kinshasa against perceived negligence from international actors, sparking violence against foreign embassies. The U.S. has evacuated non-emergency personnel from DR Congo, and Belgium cautioned its citizens against travel to the country, reflecting the growing international unease regarding the crisis. Amid this turmoil, Rwanda’s representative claimed that the M23 would continue its advance, raising fears of further escalation into central areas such as Kinshasa.
DR Congo is rich in minerals, which many believe are the target of Rwandan interests in the conflict. Allegations against Rwanda include military involvement and attempts to take control of mineral resources, which Rwanda has denied. President Kagame insists that the focus is on neutralizing armed groups threatening his country, notably targeting the FDLR, an organization rooted in the historical context of the Rwandan genocide.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo stems from a complex history involving the 1994 Rwandan genocide, during which many Hutus, responsible for mass violence, fled to the eastern Congo. The M23 group, composed mainly of Tutsi combatants, has frequently been accused of being supported by Rwanda, leading to allegations of cross-border military operations and resource exploitation in the resource-rich eastern region of the DR Congo. The instability has persisted for decades, resulting in humanitarian crises and international diplomatic intervention attempts, such as those led by the East African Community and Angola.
In summary, the situation in eastern DR Congo remains critical as M23 fighters continue their advance with potential international ramifications. The Congolese government faces immense pressure to engage in dialogue with the M23 amidst growing humanitarian concerns. The international community’s response has been mixed, with diplomatic efforts overshadowed by claims of military involvement from Rwanda and the dire conditions facing the local population.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com