DR Congo has cut diplomatic ties with Rwanda amid escalating violence from the M23 rebel group, causing fears for the safety of Goma’s residents. Accusations of Rwandan support for the rebels have been denied by Kigali, while heavy fighting has displaced thousands. The U.N. Security Council convened an emergency meeting following the unrest, which has already resulted in significant casualties among peacekeeping forces.
On Sunday, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) officially severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda as the M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Kigali, advanced towards the eastern city of Goma. This decisive action comes amid intense fighting around Goma, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers and the displacement of thousands of civilians.
The M23 group has made substantial territorial advances along the Rwanda-DR Congo border in recent weeks, creating significant concerns for Goma, home to around two million people and a strategic location for security and humanitarian efforts. Allegations from the Congolese government, the United States, and U.N. experts assert that Rwanda supports M23, which comprises ethnic Tutsis who previously defected from the Congolese army more than a decade ago.
Rwanda’s government has denied these allegations but confessed last year that it maintains troops and missile systems within eastern Congo for its security, citing a Congolese military buildup near the border. U.N. expert reports speculate that there may be up to 4,000 Rwandan forces on Congolese soil. On Saturday, DR Congo announced it was ceasing diplomatic relations and withdrawing all diplomatic personnel from Rwanda effective immediately, though Rwanda has yet to respond.
In light of the escalating violence in eastern Congo, the U.N. Security Council organized an emergency meeting at the request of DR Congo. Heavy gunfire resonated in Goma on Sunday as many displaced individuals fled from the nearby Kanyaruchinya camp towards the city, with children and adults expressing fears regarding their safety and health.
One displaced individual, Safi Shangwe, stated, “We are fleeing because we saw soldiers on the border with Rwanda throwing bombs and shooting.” Another evacuee, Adèle Shimiye, indicated uncertainty regarding the safety of Goma, saying, “We are going to Goma, but I heard there are bombs in Goma, too, so now we do not know where to go.”
Efforts to seek refuge in Rwanda have intensified, with residents attempting to cross the border as migration officers scrutinized travel documents. Locals, including Muahadi Amani, voiced their concerns, emphasizing the dire security situation in Goma. Earlier in the week, M23 forces captured Sake, significantly worsening the looming threat to Goma.
The Congolese army, supported by allied forces including U.N. peacekeepers, claimed to have repelled an M23 offensive. Recent days have seen the deaths of two South African peacekeepers, as well as a Uruguayan soldier. Meanwhile, three Malawian peacekeepers were also reported deceased. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant loss of life among allied forces from the Southern African Development Community.
Since the year 2021, DR Congo’s government, together with allied forces, has been engaged in efforts to defend Goma from M23 incursions. The U.N. peacekeeping force, known as MONUSCO, has been active in the region for over two decades, maintaining around 14,000 peacekeepers across the country.
The situation surrounding the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda is marked by long-standing tensions rooted in ethnic conflicts and territorial disputes. The M23 rebel group, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, has historically claimed to represent the interests of its community within DR Congo, which has led to violent confrontations with the Congolese government. This conflict is exacerbated by accusations of foreign interference, particularly from Rwanda, complicating peacekeeping efforts in a region rich in natural resources yet plagued by multiple armed groups and humanitarian crises.
In conclusion, the severance of ties between DR Congo and Rwanda marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict surrounding the M23 rebel group, which threatens the stability of Goma and the broader eastern region. The humanitarian implications are severe, with thousands fleeing the violence and significant casualties among peacekeepers. The international community, particularly the U.N. Security Council, must respond to this crisis to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Original Source: www.france24.com
