The Democratic Republic of the Congo has halted diplomatic relations with Rwanda amid escalating violence from the M23 rebel group, leading to numerous casualties and the displacement of thousands. Security concerns mount as the rebels move closer to Goma, and the United Nations has convened an emergency meeting to address the situation. The conflict underscores a significant humanitarian crisis in the region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has officially severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda as violence escalates in the eastern region near Goma. Fighting between government forces and the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has resulted in numerous casualties among peacekeepers and foreign soldiers while displacing thousands of civilians. The conflict has intensified as the M23 group captures territory and draws closer to Goma, which has a population of around 2 million.
The M23 group, comprised primarily of ethnic Tutsis, is accused by the DRC, the United States, and United Nations experts of receiving support from Rwanda. This rebel faction emerged over a decade ago and continues to contribute to ongoing instability in a region plagued by numerous armed groups. However, Rwanda refutes allegations of support for the rebels yet has admitted to deploying troops in eastern Congo, citing security concerns over Congolese military buildup on its border.
The Congolese foreign ministry announced on Saturday the immediate severance of diplomatic relations with Rwanda, recalling all diplomatic staff from the country. While Rwanda has not responded publicly to this development, the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting at Congo’s request to address the escalating violence, previously scheduled for Monday.
Gunfire was reported throughout Goma on Sunday as civilians fled from the Kanyaruchinya camp, one of the largest displacement areas near the border. Many families, including individuals like Safi Shangwe, expressed their fears of violence and starvation, prompting an urgent need for refuge. Some residents, like Adèle Shimiye, indicated uncertainty regarding their safety in Goma, citing ongoing risks in the city.
Several individuals attempted to cross into Rwanda through border checkpoints, seeking safety amid the chaos. Residents like Muahadi Amani conveyed their desperate search for refuge as insecurity permeated the city. The M23 rebels recently captured Sake, just 27 kilometers away from Goma, raising concerns about Goma’s imminent fall.
Despite the challenges, Congo’s army has reported successfully repelling an M23 offensive, with the assistance of allied forces, including U.N. peacekeepers. Casualties have risen among peacekeeping forces: two South African peacekeepers and a Uruguayan soldier lost their lives over the weekend, further intensifying concerns about ongoing military operations in the region. Since 2021, the Congolese government, along with allied forces, has been working to protect Goma from M23 threats, with MONUSCO operating in the area for over two decades.
The current conflict in eastern Congo centers around the M23 rebel group, which has been involved in longstanding hostilities in the region. The group primarily consists of ethnic Tutsis who deserted the Congolese army and has sought to expand its territorial control. The conflict has significant implications for the humanitarian crisis in the area, where hundreds of thousands are displaced due to violence and instability exacerbated by foreign involvement and local skirmishes.
The severance of diplomatic ties between the DRC and Rwanda highlights the escalating tensions as the M23 rebel group advances toward Goma. The ongoing violence has led to numerous casualties, particularly among peacekeeping forces, and has resulted in the displacement of thousands of civilians. As the conflict continues, the need for urgent humanitarian assistance and international intervention remains critical.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
