DRC President Tshisekedi is set to hold urgent talks with Rwandan President Kagame as M23 rebels appear close to overtaking Goma. The situation follows intense clashes leading to significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis affecting hundreds of thousands. Protests demanding foreign intervention have erupted in Kinshasa.
An emergency summit is convening between Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame as M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwandan forces, seem poised to take control of Goma, a critical city in eastern DRC. Reports indicate that M23 has seized significant territories and the airport in Goma amid ongoing violence that has resulted in at least 100 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries. Currently, it is unclear how much of Goma remains under the control of Congolese forces.
The situation in Goma has escalated dramatically, resulting from M23’s rapid advance and the historical context of the DRC’s struggles with armed groups linked to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This uprising has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis, displacing hundreds of thousands and overwhelming local healthcare facilities. Clashes have also led to violent protests in Kinshasa, where citizens have targeted foreign embassies in frustration over the international community’s inaction.
The crisis in Goma illustrates the urgent need for regional cooperation and international intervention to prevent further escalation and address the humanitarian consequences of ongoing violence. The calls for a ceasefire and the laying down of arms by the M23 highlight the critical situation. With the complex historical and geopolitical ties between Rwanda and DRC, a comprehensive solution is necessary to restore peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
