The DRC has called on the UN to sanction Rwanda for sending troops, accusing it of a declaration of war as the Rwandan-backed M23 group advances towards Goma. The UN chief has urged Rwanda to withdraw its forces amidst escalating clashes that have resulted in peacekeeper deaths. With diplomatic relations collapsing, the situation is dire for Goma’s residents as international calls for a ceasefire intensify.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has urged the United Nations to impose sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of a “declaration of war” by deploying additional troops on its border. Kinshasa claims these soldiers are supporting the Rwandan-backed M23 militia, which has made recent advances towards Goma in North Kivu province. UN Chief Antonio Guterres has called for Rwanda to withdraw its forces as clashes with Congolese troops escalate, resulting in multiple peacekeeper fatalities.
At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba expressed grave concerns about the influx of Rwandan troops, labeling it a direct assault on Congolese sovereignty. Reports indicated that between 500 and 1,000 Rwandan soldiers have joined M23 fighters near Goma, prompting Kinshasa to request targeted sanctions such as asset freezes for Rwandan officials.
Relations between the DRC and Rwanda have severely deteriorated, with both nations recalling their diplomats. After the cancellation of peace talks between Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC in December, M23 rapidly advanced towards Goma, a city housing over a million residents. The ongoing conflict has led to reports of heavy detonations and a surge in displaced people seeking refuge within the city.
As international condemnation of Rwanda’s actions grows, the African Union and the United States have joined in calls for an immediate ceasefire. Guterres has urged the M23 to halt hostilities and called on Rwanda to withdraw its support for the militia and exit DRC territory.
UN Security Council discussions often omit direct mention of Rwanda’s involvement, despite allegations that Kigali employs M23 to exploit DRC’s mineral resources. Kayikwamba has advocated for a total embargo on Rwandan mineral exports, particularly gold, in light of ongoing conflicts.
This renewed violence has necessitated the evacuation of non-essential UN staff from Goma to neighboring Uganda and Kinshasa. Additionally, the conflict has claimed the lives of several peacekeepers, highlighting the region’s persistent instability, which has plagued the eastern DRC for over three decades, marked by armed group rivalries and ethnic tensions.
The conflict between the DRC and Rwanda has historical roots, mainly tied to struggles over mineral resources and ethnic tensions. The M23, which is allegedly backed by Rwanda, has engaged in numerous offensives against the Congolese military, leading to severe humanitarian crises. The presence of international peacekeepers, including those from the UN, has aimed to stabilize the region, but sporadic violence continues to threaten peace efforts. The UN Security Council’s stance on this conflict has often been criticized for not adequately addressing Rwanda’s role. The situation remains complex due to the involvement of various armed groups and multinational peacekeeping forces in the DRC. Moreover, ceasefires have consistently failed, contributing to the region’s turmoil as military and political solutions remain elusive.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s appeal to the United Nations represents a critical moment in its ongoing conflict with Rwanda, emphasizing the escalation of tensions and the urgent need for international intervention. As both countries withdraw diplomatic presence, the humanitarian impact on Goma’s population is dire. With calls for sanctions and a ceasefire echoing through international forums, the path to resolution remains fraught with challenges amid a long history of violence and instability in the eastern DRC.
Original Source: www.wyomingnewsnow.tv
