Gunfire erupted in Goma, DR Congo, as accusations against Rwanda intensified regarding its military support for the M23 group. Amid international pressure, Kenya has organized a peace summit for discussions. The situation remains tense, with significant consequences for regional stability, as past conflicts and military interventions complicate efforts for resolution.
Gunfire erupted on Sunday night in Goma, DR Congo, as the country accused Rwanda of deploying additional troops across the border to aid the M23 militant group in their bid to capture the city. This escalation occurred amid increasing international calls for an end to the conflict, prompting Kenya to announce that the presidents of both DR Congo and Rwanda will attend peace summit talks in the coming days.
Explosions were reported throughout Goma late on Sunday, marking a significant uptick in the violence that has intensified over recent days with M23 fighters engaging Congolese military forces and UN peacekeepers on the city’s outskirts. While the city grew quiet by midnight, the extent of any territorial gains by M23 remained unclear.
The current hostilities in Goma represent a continuation of three decades of strife in eastern DRC, characterized by regional tensions, ethnic disputes, and militia operations. The DRC has accused Rwanda of waging a form of war through its military support for the M23, which has prompted calls for UN sanctions against Rwanda.
Approximately 500 to 1,000 Rwandan soldiers reportedly reinforced the M23 on Sunday, complicating the situation. Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner termed the activities as a blatant violation of sovereignty and warned of serious repercussions. Calls for the UN to impose sanctions have met with Rwandan resistance, with the latter asserting the necessity of maintaining a defensive posture due to security threats posed by ongoing conflicts near its borders.
The diplomatic rift has escalated, with both countries recalling their ambassadors and halting dialogue. Following a cancellation of peace talks in December, the M23’s advance toward Goma intensified. The UN Secretary-General emphasized the need for Rwanda to withdraw its forces and cease support for the M23, a position contradicted by Rwandan officials, who blame DRC for the deteriorating relations.
Historically, Goma has faced occupation and conflict from the M23 and other armed factions, despite previous military defeats and a series of failed ceasefires. Recent events have culminated in casualties among international peacekeepers, underscoring the volatile nature of the situation as the region grapples with enduring instability.
The ongoing turmoil in Goma illustrates the complex geopolitical dynamics of eastern DRC, where conflict has been simmering for decades due to a mix of ethnic tensions, militias, and external influence, particularly from Rwanda. The M23, a rebel group with historical ties to Rwanda, has continually threatened the stability of the region, leading to humanitarian crises and international intervention efforts. The linkage of Rwanda’s military involvement raises serious concerns about sovereignty and the potential for wider regional conflict, as the DRC calls for accountability and international support.
The situation in Goma, characterized by recent escalations in violence attributed to Rwandan troop presence, highlights the need for urgent diplomatic intervention. The proposed summit between DR Congo and Rwanda’s leaders represents a critical opportunity to de-escalate tensions. However, the historical context of the M23’s actions and the geopolitical intricacies underscore the profound challenges that lie ahead in achieving lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: thesun.my
