DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has pledged a vigorous military response against Rwandan-backed M23 fighters who have captured Goma. He criticized the international community’s silence on the crisis, calling for urgent action and coordination against these threats. Regional organizations are urging dialogue while tensions continue to mount in eastern DRC, a region plagued by decades of violence.
In light of the recent capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has promised a vigorous military response. The M23’s advance represents a significant escalation in the conflict, as they have gained control over large parts of eastern DRC, a region fraught with violence and instability. President Tshisekedi criticized the international community’s inaction in addressing this escalating crisis, describing it as an affront to the country’s worsening security situation.
During his address, President Tshisekedi condemned the silence of the global community regarding the intensifying conflict, which he believes could spark wider unrest in the Great Lakes region. He emphasized that a coordinated military response against what he termed ‘terrorists and their sponsors’ is imminent. Despite the gravity of the situation, Tshisekedi declined to participate in crisis negotiations with Rwandan President Paul Kagame earlier this week.
The M23’s offensive has elicited strong reactions from regional bodies, with the East African Community demanding a peaceful resolution and urging the DRC to engage directly with all involved parties, including the M23. In response, President Kagame indicated Rwanda’s unwillingness to act as a mediator, citing the complexities of the situation and the recent casualties among South African soldiers serving in UN peacekeeping roles within the DRC.
A special summit of the Southern African Development Community is scheduled to occur in Zimbabwe, reflecting the urgent need to address the crisis. Angola has also stepped in, advocating for a meeting between DRC and Rwandan leaders to de-escalate tensions. The current situation underscores the perilous nature of the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, which has persisted for over three decades, fueled by numerous armed factions and cross-border violence.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been embroiled in conflict for over thirty years, characterized by internal strife and cross-border tensions involving multiple armed groups. The M23, or March 23 Movement, is one of many factions vying for control in the eastern DRC, which is rich in minerals. Recent advances by the M23 rebels, particularly their capture of Goma, have prompted serious concern from regional organizations and the international community, signaling a potential escalation of violence in the region.
President Tshisekedi’s declaration of a robust military response highlights the DRC’s determination to address the challenge posed by the M23 rebels. His criticism of international inaction serves as a call for greater global involvement in resolving the conflict. The situation remains precarious, with regional leaders and organizations recognizing the urgency of finding a diplomatic resolution to prevent further escalation of violence in the DRC.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
