Gunfire flared in Goma as the DRC accused Rwanda of sending troops to support M23 rebels. International pressure for peace talks is intensifying, with a summit involving Kenya, DRC, and Rwanda forthcoming. The situation escalated following numerous explosions and casualties among peacekeepers amidst a backdrop of long-standing instability and military confrontations in eastern DRC.
Gunfire erupted early Monday in the embattled city of Goma, situated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following accusations against Rwanda for deploying additional troops to support rebel factions in the region. This violence coincided with increasing international calls for a cessation of hostilities, prompting Kenya to announce a summit aimed at addressing the crisis involving DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame.
Throughout Sunday evening, resounding explosions disturbed Goma, where clashes have intensified between M23 rebel fighters, believed to be supported by Rwandan military forces, and the Congolese army alongside UN peacekeepers. The conflict in Goma is part of a protracted history of instability in eastern DRC, marred by regional tensions, ethnic disputes, and prolonged militia confrontations.
The DRC government accused Rwanda of a “declaration of war” due to troop movement across the border, urging the United Nations to enforce sanctions against Rwanda for its alleged support of M23 rebels. Although the UN Security Council condemned the actions of external forces without directly naming Rwanda, the ongoing violence has resulted in casualties among both peacekeepers and local military forces.
In light of escalating tensions, Kenyan President William Ruto facilitated a meeting with Rwandan and DRC leaders to discuss potential solutions to the crisis. DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner characterized the increasing presence of Rwandan troops as an overt assault and called for immediate UN intervention. Recently, reports indicated up to 1,000 Rwandan soldiers had entered the conflict area to bolster M23.
As relations between DRC and Rwanda deteriorate, both nations have withdrawn their diplomatic personnel, signaling a breakdown in communication following failed peace talks. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed for Rwanda to discontinue its support for M23, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution. Historical context reveals that Goma experienced a brief occupation by M23 in 2012, with an initial ceasefire achieved in July before subsequent violations.
The ongoing conflict in Goma, a critical city in eastern DRC, highlights decades-long struggles stemming from regional rivalries and complex ethnic tensions. The resurgence of the M23 rebel group and the involvement of Rwanda’s military complicate the conflict further, raising international concerns about territorial sovereignty and human rights. The UN has previously reported on Rwanda’s exploitation of DRC’s rich mineral resources through support for armed factions, intertwining economic interests with military actions in the region.
The situation in Goma reflects a complex interplay of regional politics, military engagements, and humanitarian crises, necessitating urgent and effective diplomacy. As international pressure mounts for peace talks, the withdrawal of diplomats and UN calls for action underscore the risk of further escalation. The upcoming summit led by Kenya may pave the way for resolution, although tensions remain high as both DRC and Rwanda assert their positions in this protracted conflict.
Original Source: www.news-expressky.com
