President Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo terminated his Davos trip due to escalating violence from M23 rebels, resulting in over 400,000 displaced persons. The fighting has intensified in eastern DR Congo, particularly around Goma, raising security concerns as the rebels capture nearby towns. UN officials warn of potential regional conflict and call for respect for DR Congo’s sovereignty.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, has abruptly curtailed his attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos due to escalating violence in his home country. The conflict in eastern DR Congo has intensified, particularly with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels gaining control over significant territories. Reports indicate that over 400,000 individuals have been displaced since the beginning of this year as the M23 advances toward Goma, the provincial capital.
In recent weeks, the M23 has taken control of key towns such as Masisi and Minova in North Kivu, raising concerns regarding the stability of Goma, a city with a population exceeding one million. The rebels had previously seized Goma during a rebellion in 2012 but retreated after peace negotiations. The capture of Sake, a town near Goma, was reported on Thursday, although Congolese military officials claimed to have repelled the attack on Sake, which is situated approximately 12 miles from Goma.
In response to the ongoing conflict, significant numbers of residents in Sake and surrounding areas have fled, often carrying essential items on their backs or overcrowding makeshift boats. Since 2021, the M23 has controlled extensive regions in mineral-rich eastern DR Congo, leading to widespread displacement. Although there was a temporary respite in hostilities last year, fighting has resumed with increased intensity towards the end of the year.
Both the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and United Nations officials assert that Rwanda supports the M23 rebels, a claim that the Rwandan government has neither confirmed nor denied. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned that the ongoing conflict could escalate into a broader regional war and urged all involved parties to respect the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has long been plagued by conflict, notably involving various armed groups, with the M23 being of particular concern due to its significant territorial gains and alleged foreign backing. The region is rich in minerals, attracting both local and international interests, which complicates the political and social landscape. The UN has expressed ongoing concerns about the humanitarian crises resulting from this conflict, as violence continues to displace large populations and destabilize communities.
In conclusion, the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, marked by the M23 rebels’ rapid advances, signals a troubling escalation of violence that threatens the stability of the region. President Tshisekedi’s swift return from the World Economic Forum underscores the urgency of the situation. International leaders, including the UN, emphasize the need for respect for sovereignty and assistance in alleviating the humanitarian crises resulting from this prolonged conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
