As M23 rebels tighten their grip on Goma, DR Congo’s Foreign Minister calls for urgent UN intervention, demanding actions beyond mere condemnation. Thousands have fled amid escalating violence, with dire humanitarian needs arising. Wagner seeks sanctions against Rwanda to curb their military support, while the US also calls for decisive measures to address the crisis.
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, urged the UN Security Council to take immediate action regarding the escalating conflict, as M23 rebels solidify their hold on Goma. Addressing the Council, she emphasized that Rwanda must not operate without consequences and pushed for tangible measures rather than mere verbal condemnation. The Minister insisted that the Security Council’s intervention is now critical due to ongoing human suffering and the recent violence in Goma.
She advocated for the removal of irregular fighters occupying Congolese territory, arguing that lasting peace cannot be achieved without this imperative step. Additionally, she proposed implementing sanctions targeting the Rwandan Defence Forces’ command structure to diminish their capacity to wage conflict in the DRC. Furthermore, Wagner called for an embargo on Rwanda’s unlawful extraction and exportation of Congolese mineral resources, which finance their aggression.
The United States echoed Wagner’s sentiments, urging the Council to act decisively against the assaults led by Rwandan-supported M23 rebels, who primarily consist of ethnic Tutsis. In response, Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed his agreement with the US regarding the necessity for a ceasefire and addressing the root causes of the enduring conflict. Currently, the M23 rebels have reportedly claimed full control over Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, leading to significant civilian displacement and fatalities.
In the face of escalating violence, thousands have sought refuge at the Rwandan border. Wagner highlighted the dire situation of millions displaced, with many trapped in Goma amid severe shortages of essential supplies, stating, “Countless lives have been lost. Enough is enough.” The M23 rebels have indicated plans to establish a governance structure in Goma, aimed at facilitating the return of displaced individuals and restoring normalcy. Currently, North Kivu province, home to Goma, is plagued by over 100 armed factions grappling for dominance in the mineral-rich region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been embroiled in a protracted conflict, which has seen various armed groups, including the M23 rebels, vie for power and control over resource-rich regions like North Kivu. The M23, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, has been implicated in various human rights violations and has received alleged backing from the Rwandan government. This ongoing instability has resulted in significant displacement of civilians and dire humanitarian conditions, compelling international responses, particularly from the United Nations and the United States.
In summary, the situation in Goma represents a critical humanitarian crisis unfolding amid a complex regional conflict. Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner has called for decisive UN intervention to halt Rwandan aggression and restore peace. With thousands fleeing and many lives lost, her requests for sanctions and embargoes underscore the urgency for international governance to support the sovereignty and stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
