Burundi troops are deploying in eastern DRC as the UK halts aid to Rwanda over M23 militia support. The M23 has seized key cities, prompting violence in a region plagued by decades of conflict. Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire are underway, amidst mounting casualties and humanitarian crises.
Burundian troops, aligned with Kinshasa, are actively deploying in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the United Kingdom announced a suspension of most direct bilateral aid to Rwanda. This decision follows alleged support from Rwanda for the M23 militia, which has recently seized key cities in the region, exacerbating an already volatile situation marked by decades of conflict.
The M23 group has gained significant territory, capturing Bukavu and Goma, thus establishing a dominant presence in the mineral-rich eastern DRC. Local residents reported that the DRC army has retreated without substantial resistance, highlighting ongoing unrest that has resulted in millions of casualties over the years.
UK government representatives emphasized that while Rwanda has legitimate security concerns, military actions are not a viable resolution. They stated that aid suspension would remain in effect until notable progress toward de-escalating violence is achieved. The M23’s advance poses new challenges, with fighters nearing Uvira, prompting Burundian forces to mobilize in response.
In the ongoing conflict, South African troops have sustained injuries and returned home for treatment as part of the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) mission to stabilize the region. Recent developments have led to an urgent need for diplomatic interventions, prompting the appointment of former African leaders to facilitate peace talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire.
Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), expressed alarm over the escalating violence, declaring that no armed group should act without consequence. Collaborative efforts between the East African Community (EAC) and SADC have merged separate peace processes, emphasizing immediate measures for humanitarian aid and a ceasefire, with further ministerial discussions planned to solidify these efforts.
According to DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the death toll in the region has surpassed 7,000 since January, underscoring the severe humanitarian crisis amidst the M23 conflict. The United Nations has also documented thousands of deaths attributed to the upsurge in violence, with urgent appeals for humanitarian support in the affected areas.
In summary, the situation in eastern DRC remains dire with military actions by both M23 and Burundian forces compounding the humanitarian crisis. The suspension of UK aid to Rwanda marks a significant diplomatic response to the conflict. Ongoing efforts by regional leaders and organizations aim to establish a ceasefire and address the deep-rooted issues contributing to the unrest, reflecting an urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.kulr8.com
