The DRC faces a resurgence of violence as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels advance towards Bukavu, following their capture of Goma. The conflict has roots in post-genocide tensions and has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and displacements. Allegations of external military involvement, particularly from Rwanda, complicate peace efforts amidst resource-rich territories controlled by the rebels.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing a significant surge in violence, primarily driven by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels who captured Goma in late January. Since then, the rebels have advanced towards Bukavu, escalating a conflict rooted in the aftermath of the 1990s Rwandan genocide and the fall of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. This renewed fighting has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and the displacement of over a million people.
Following their takeover of Goma, M23 rebels now control the strategic Kavumu airport vital for Bukavu, indicating their intent to demonstrate governance capabilities in the region. However, the situation has led to reports of chaos, looting, and sexual violence as the rebels engage the Congolese army and its allies, including Burundian troops. The United Nations has expressed alarm about the rapid deterioration of living conditions for around 350,000 displaced individuals.
Concerns mount regarding the potential for a broader regional conflict, reminiscent of the wars in the late 1990s and early 2000s that ravaged the area. South Africa has recently deployed additional troops to the DRC following the fatalities of 14 soldiers in engagements with M23. The M23 group has origins tied to a previous Tutsi-led insurgency and accuses the Congolese government of failing to fulfill commitments under a 2009 peace agreement.
M23 has gained control of resource-rich areas, particularly in coltan mining, generating substantial revenue. Despite holding such resources, the DRC remains reliant on international aid, with significant funding coming from the United States. Allegations against Rwanda suggest continued military support for M23, amidst longstanding tensions that trace back to the Rwandan genocide and its aftermath.
The DRC government, backed by the U.N. and Western powers, accuses Rwanda of escalating the conflict through direct military support for M23. Rwandan authorities, however, deny these allegations, citing defensive actions against the FDLR militia. Efforts by African leaders for peace negotiations have so far yielded limited success, with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi labeling M23 as a terrorist organization, thereby refusing direct dialogue.
U.N. peacekeepers remain active in the DRC, attempting to assist Congolese forces against M23 insurgents. The ongoing instability has delayed the planned withdrawal of U.N. operations, resulting in increased evacuations and displacement to U.N. bases for safety. Meanwhile, Burundian troops continue to assist in combatting M23 forces, consolidating their presence in South Kivu as the situation evolves.
The ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, fueled by M23 rebels and exacerbated by external military influences, has resulted in severe humanitarian crises and significant geopolitical concerns. Efforts for peace negotiations face considerable hurdles, particularly with the government’s refusal to engage with groups it labels as terrorists. The situation’s complexity, characterized by historical grievances and resource exploitation, requires urgent attention to address the humanitarian and security challenges in the region.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
