DRC President Felix Tshisekedi pledges a strong military response against M23 fighters who recently captured Goma, intensifying a long-standing conflict. He criticizes international indifference and emphasizes the regional security threats. The East African Community advocates for dialogue, while Rwandan President Kagame declines a mediation role. The situation prompted a UN peacekeeping force response and forthcoming regional summits.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has announced a robust military response against Rwandan-backed fighters, specifically the M23 group, who have made significant advancements in the eastern region of the country, particularly in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The recent capture of Goma marks a troubling escalation in a long-standing conflict that has ravaged eastern DRC for decades, with the M23 fighting among numerous other armed factions in the region.
In his address, President Tshisekedi criticized the international community for its “silence and inaction” regarding the escalating violence. He deemed this negligence as an “affront” to the deteriorating security situation that claims to threaten stability not only in the DRC but also in the broader Great Lakes region. Furthermore, he indicated that a coordinated military offensive against the M23 and its backers is imminent.
Regional interventions regarding the crisis have increased. The East African Community called for discussions inclusive of all stakeholders involved in the conflict, underscoring the necessity for a peaceful resolution. Rwandan President Paul Kagame indicated that Rwanda is not positioned to mediate, asserting that the SAMIDRC, part of a broader mission that included the deployment of South African soldiers, is not intended for peacekeeping purposes.
Thirteen South African soldiers have tragically lost their lives during the past week while serving in the DRC within these multinational peacekeeping forces. As diplomatic efforts intensify, the Southern African Development Community is slated to convene an emergency summit to address the ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, Angola has urged both the DRC and Rwandan leaders to meet promptly in Luanda to resolve tensions.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced persistent violence and instability for over thirty years, largely due to internal conflicts among various armed groups and cross-border interventions. The M23 (March 23 Movement) has specifically gained notoriety for its role in capturing territory in eastern DRC. President Tshisekedi’s remarks come amid increasing concern about the regional implications of the M23 advances, illustrating a need for concerted international action to curb the violence that threatens to engulf the region further.
In summary, President Felix Tshisekedi’s declaration of a vigorous military response highlights the urgency of addressing the M23 offensive and the perceived inaction of the international community. With calls for peace and urgent meetings among regional leaders, the situation remains complex as multiple parties vie for influence within the ongoing conflict. The DRC stands at a critical juncture, where resolution requires both military and diplomatic strategies to ensure stability in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
