Gunfire erupted in Goma, DR Congo, as tensions between DRC and Rwanda escalated due to alleged Rwandan troop support for the M23 rebels. Kenya has initiated a summit for peace talks among the leaders of DRC and Rwanda. The conflict has resulted in numerous deaths and heightened calls for international intervention, as accusations of war declarations and sovereignty violations emerge.
Gunfire erupted in Goma, DR Congo, Sunday night amid escalating tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The DRC accused Rwanda of sending additional troops to support the M23 rebels in their attempt to seize the city. As international calls for peace intensified, Kenya announced a forthcoming summit involving the DRC and Rwandan presidents to address the crisis.
Explosions rang out across Goma, signaling continued conflict between the M23—backed by Rwandan forces—and Congolese army units, as well as UN peacekeepers. While the situation quieted by midnight, uncertainty lingered over whether M23 had progressed within the city limits. The conflict represents a significant episode in over three decades of turmoil in eastern Congo, characterized by ethnic strife and militia warfare.
The DRC characterized Rwanda’s actions as a “declaration of war” and urged the UN to implement sanctions against Rwanda for its military support of the M23. The M23 has made substantial advances recently, and resulting clashes have claimed the lives of approximately a dozen peacekeepers. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Rwanda to withdraw its troops from Congo, a request that Rwanda has declined.
In response to the ongoing crisis, President William Ruto of Kenya called for an urgent summit involving both Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to discuss potential resolutions. During an emergency UN Security Council session, DRC’s top diplomat accused Rwanda of violating Congolese sovereignty through troop movements, describing it as a “frontal assault.”
UN sources indicated that between 500 to 1,000 Rwandan soldiers crossed into DRC to reinforce the M23’s operations. Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner urged the UN to impose targeted sanctions on Rwandan officials. Rwanda responded by asserting that its military presence was necessary to protect its security interests along the border.
The diplomatic rift continues as both nations have recalled their diplomats. Prior failed peace talks between the two countries had precipitated the M23’s recent incursion towards Goma, which houses over one million residents, many of whom are displaced. Recent reports by UN experts have alleged that Rwanda exploits the conflict to access DRC’s mineral resources.
Goma was previously controlled by the M23 in late 2012, but the group was expelled through a military counteroffensive. Though several ceasefires have been announced, full compliance has yet to be achieved, with the most recent ceasefire failing in July. Recent violence led to the deaths of 13 peacekeepers from various nations, underlining the conflict’s toll.
The ongoing violence in Goma reflects long-standing tensions in eastern DR Congo, a region plagued by ethnic conflict and the presence of multiple armed groups for decades. The M23, a rebel group, has previously occupied Goma, and Rwanda’s alleged support for the group has drawn international condemnation, complicating relations between the two nations. Disputes over natural resources and security concerns heighten the instability of the area, further exacerbated by the involvement of foreign military forces. Recent escalations have raised alarm over the humanitarian situation, increasing the need for urgent diplomatic efforts for peace.
The situation in Goma encapsulates the fragility of peace in eastern DR Congo, underscoring the need for diplomatic intervention amidst persistent violence. As Kenya gears up to mediate talks between the DRC and Rwanda, international pressure mounts for collaboration to achieve a lasting resolution. The conflict poses significant risks not only to local populations but also to regional stability, necessitating immediate attention from global authorities.
Original Source: thesun.my
