Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame agreed with the U.S. on a ceasefire in eastern Congo but did not commit to withdraw Rwandan troops from Goma after M23 rebels captured the city. The U.S. is urging the UN Security Council to take action as violence worsens, displacing thousands. Tensions are high due to historical grievances stemming from the Rwandan genocide and control over valuable resources, complicating the prospect of a lasting solution.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame expressed agreement with the United States government regarding the necessity of a ceasefire in eastern Congo. However, he did not commit to calls for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops or their support for the M23 rebels from Goma, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s largest city, which fell to the rebels earlier this week amid significant violence that overwhelmed hospitals treating casualties.
In response to the escalating situation, the United States has urged the United Nations Security Council to contemplate various measures to address the rebel advancements that have displaced tens of thousands of people. Meanwhile, Goma has experienced looting and sporadic gunfire, though the situation has notably calmed following the initial eruption of violence.
President Kagame mentioned on social media, “Had a productive conversation with Secretary (of State Marco) Rubio on the need to ensure a ceasefire in Eastern DRC and address the root causes of the conflict once and for all.” Secretary Rubio conveyed Washington’s deep concern regarding the worsening conflict, rooted in historical tensions following the Rwandan genocide and the pursuit of control over Congo’s resources.
Both Congo and the United Nations have reported the presence of Rwandan troops in Goma, allegedly supporting the M23 group. Rwanda has defended its actions by claiming it is acting in self-defense against threats from Congolese militias, although they remain reticent about the movement of their soldiers across the border. As fighting escalated, exchanges of fire occurred along the shared border.
Residents reported continued unrest, including sporadic gunfire and looting, as the M23 established control over Goma. An unverified video depicted unarmed government soldiers and militia members participating in a disarmament process at a local stadium. Despite an apparent calm within the city, services such as air travel and utilities have been disrupted.
The M23 movement is the latest of several Tutsi-led insurgencies supported by Rwanda, emerging from the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. Rwanda asserts that these insurgencies are necessary to protect against threats from Hutu extremists sheltering in Congo. Conversely, the Congolese government contends that Rwanda utilizes proxy militias for its gain, particularly in accessing valuable mineral resources such as coltan.
The conflict in eastern Congo has deep historical roots, primarily stemming from the fallout of the Rwandan genocide that occurred three decades ago. The power struggles following the genocide have led to various insurgencies, particularly those supported by Rwanda. The area remains highly volatile, with competing interests for control over mineral resources exacerbating tensions between the Congolese and Rwandan governments, with each side accusing the other of instigating violence and instability.
President Kagame’s acknowledgment of the need for a ceasefire highlights the urgent humanitarian concerns arising from the ongoing conflict in Congo. Nevertheless, the failure to commit to troop withdrawals underscores the complexities involved in addressing the underlying causes of the violence. With international calls for stability growing, the situation remains delicate, needing close monitoring and decisive action from global bodies such as the United Nations.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
