The Rwanda-backed M23 group has pledged to advance towards Kinshasa following its capture of Goma. Congolese President Tshisekedi has vowed to continue military efforts against M23. Global calls for Rwanda to withdraw forces continue amid accusations of seeking control over the DRC’s resources. The humanitarian situation worsens as clashes drive residents from their homes and intensify food shortages.
The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has declared its intention to advance towards Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This assertion comes after M23 fighters captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, marking a significant escalation amid ongoing conflict in the mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC. M23’s leader, Corneille Nangaa, reaffirmed their mission to bring liberation to the capital until their grievances are addressed, promising to restore essential services such as electricity and security.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has vowed to continue military efforts against the M23 and its supporters, asserting that a coordinated response is being implemented. Meanwhile, local reports indicate continued M23 advances into South Kivu province. Tensions remain high as clashes have resulted in numerous casualties in Goma, and residents express fears about the ongoing violence, as well as dire shortages of food and resources.
International involvement is also escalating, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Kinshasa, signaling concern about the conflict’s potential escalation. The regional East African Community has urged engagement with M23 to seek a peaceful resolution, despite ongoing tensions. Discontent was voiced by global leaders about Rwanda’s alleged military involvement in the DRC, amid accusations of seeking control over the region’s mineral wealth.
The M23 group, which emerged in 2012 amid persistent conflict in Eastern DRC, has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda as it seeks to control resource-rich areas in the region. This ongoing conflict has roots in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with various armed groups vying for power. Rwanda’s intentions are often questioned, with claims of both pursuing security against former genocidaires and profiting from the DRC’s extensive mineral resources.
The escalation of conflict in the DRC highlights the complexities of regional power dynamics and the struggle for control over valuable resources. With the M23’s declared intentions to march on Kinshasa and the Congolese government’s commitment to resistance, the situation remains precarious. Diplomatic interventions from international players may influence the trajectory of the conflict, although achieving lasting peace appears challenging.
Original Source: www.wfxg.com
