Congo has cut diplomatic ties with Rwanda as M23 rebels advance towards Goma, causing significant casualties among peacekeepers and displacing thousands. Rwanda is accused of supporting M23, which is threatening stability in eastern Congo, while international efforts are underway to address the escalating violence.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda amid escalating clashes between government forces and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels near the eastern city of Goma. This conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign personnel while displacing thousands of civilians. The M23 insurgency has gained substantial ground, threatening the safety of Goma, which serves as a significant humanitarian and security hub for the region.
Congo, alongside the United States and United Nations experts, accuses Rwanda of providing military support to the M23 rebels, predominantly composed of ethnic Tutsis who defected from the Congolese army years ago. Although Rwanda denies these allegations, it acknowledged deploying troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to protect its security amidst concerns over Congolese military buildup near their border. Estimates suggest that up to 4,000 Rwandan troops operate within Congo.
On Saturday, the Congolese Foreign Ministry announced a diplomatic break with Rwanda, stating it was withdrawing all diplomatic personnel immediately. Rwanda did not issue a statement in response to this development. The U.N. Security Council has convened an emergency meeting following Congo’s request to address the escalating violence, originally scheduled for the following day.
The situation intensified on Sunday, with gunfire reported in Goma as families fled displacement camps towards the city center amidst fears that a rebel takeover was imminent. Earlier, the M23 had captured Sake, located 27 kilometers from Goma. The Congolese army, aided by allied forces including U.N. peacekeepers, claims to have repelled M23 aggression.
During the past several days, casualties among peacekeeping forces have risen, including two South African soldiers and one Uruguayan fatality. The unrest has also resulted in the deaths of three Malawian peacekeepers. Nigeria has reinforced its presence, continuing efforts to keep the M23 away from Goma since 2021, with a robust U.N. mission in place since decades ago.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has long experienced conflict driven by multiple armed groups, including M23, which has historical ties to Rwanda and internal ethnic tensions. The region is rich in minerals, intensifying competition for control among various factions. The United Nations peacekeeping force, MONUSCO, operates in Congo to stabilize the situation, but violence persists, complicating humanitarian efforts and regional security. Recent developments highlight the deteriorating relations between Congo and Rwanda, marked by rising military tension and accusations concerning rebel support.
The severance of ties between Congo and Rwanda underscores the escalating conflict involving M23 rebels near Goma. With significant military engagements resulting in casualties, thousands of civilians have been displaced, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The international community, including the U.N. Security Council, is responding to the urgent situation, but the complexities of the conflict continue to pose challenges for peace and security in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
