The Democratic Republic of the Congo cut diplomatic ties with Rwanda as fighting between the M23 rebel group and government forces escalated near Goma, leading to casualties among peacekeepers and civilian displacement. Accusations against Rwanda for supporting M23 continue, while the situation raises humanitarian concerns. An emergency U.N. meeting has been scheduled to address the crisis.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda amid escalating violence from the M23 rebel group, which is reportedly supported by Kigali. The rebels have made significant advances towards Goma, a vital city in eastern DRC, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region and resulting in numerous casualties among peacekeepers and local residents.
As fighting intensifies, Goma faces threats from M23, pushing many civilians to flee towards safer areas. The DRC government and international players, including the U.S. and U.N., accuse Rwanda of backing M23, despite Rwanda’s denials. The ongoing conflict involves numerous armed groups vying for control in the mineral-rich region.
The DRC Foreign Ministry has announced the immediate withdrawal of its diplomatic staff from Rwanda. In response to the rapidly deteriorating situation, the U.N. Security Council convened an emergency meeting to address the violence, which has led to significant displacement and fears for civilian safety in Goma and its surroundings.
Displaced individuals from the Kanyaruchinya camp, nearby the Rwandan border, expressed deep concern over their safety and the humanitarian situation. Many have fled towards Goma, expressing fears over potential violence. Encounters between the DRC’s army and M23 continue, with reports of casualties among allied peacekeeping forces from Southern Africa.
The tension between the DRC and Rwanda has escalated due to the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which has controlled portions of territory in eastern DRC since it emerged over a decade ago. The group, composed primarily of ethnic Tutsis, has engaged in conflict against government forces and other militias, contributing to the ongoing instability in the region that has perpetuated a humanitarian crisis. The DRC’s accusations against Rwanda stem from concerns about its military involvement in the region, which has heightened fears of further escalation into a larger conflict.
The severance of diplomatic relations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda marks a critical point in regional dynamics as violence from the M23 rebel group threatens the stability of Goma. As international attention increases amidst the humanitarian crisis, the DRC and its allies must navigate the complex landscape of armed conflict and foreign intervention to restore peace and security in the mineral-rich eastern region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
