Gunfire erupted in Goma, DRC, amidst accusations against Rwanda for deploying troops in support of the M23 militia. International calls for peace are intensifying, with Kenya facilitating talks between DRC and Rwanda. The conflict has caused casualties among peacekeepers and led to deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries, raising concerns over regional stability.
On Sunday night, gunfire erupted in Goma, a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following accusations against Rwanda of deploying additional troops to assist militia fighters. The clashes come amidst heightened international calls for peace in the region. In response to the escalating conflict, Kenya has announced a summit with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame scheduled for the coming days, aiming to discuss the ongoing violence.
As night fell, significant explosions were heard in Goma, which has been embroiled in conflict for several days as the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels continue to engage Congolese forces and UN peacekeepers near the city. While Goma fell silent by midnight, the extent of the M23’s advance into the city remained uncertain. This conflict is part of a larger pattern of violence in eastern DRC, marked by longstanding ethnic tensions and regional rivalries.
The DRC government has accused Rwanda of a ‘declaration of war’ over the troop deployments and has urged the United Nations to impose sanctions on Rwanda for its support of the M23 militia. Tensions have been escalating, with several foreign peacekeepers reported killed amid the fighting. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces, a request dismissed by the Rwandan government.
Saturday saw a significant troop influx from Rwanda, with estimates suggesting between 500 to 1,000 soldiers reinforcing M23 positions. Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner characterized Rwanda’s actions as an overt violation of DRC sovereignty, emphasizing the need for a robust international response, including targeted sanctions.
As diplomatic relations deteriorate, both countries have expelled their diplomats, further escalating tensions. Previous peace talks between the two nations had collapsed, giving way to renewed military advances by the M23 toward Goma, a city hosting over a million residents and countless displaced individuals. The urgency for intervention heightened as recent reports confirmed multiple fatalities among peacekeepers in the area.
The ongoing conflict in Goma symbolizes a complex interplay of regional tensions, ethnic divides, and historical grievances, particularly involving armed groups like the M23 and the influence of Rwandan military support. Over the past three decades, eastern DRC has been a flashpoint for violence due to these multifaceted issues. The situation has necessitated international involvement and attention, particularly following accusations against Rwanda. The humanitarian impact on civilians and peacekeepers has become increasingly dire, prompting calls for urgent diplomatic efforts to mitigate the crisis.
In summary, the violence in Goma has escalated significantly following accusations of Rwandan military involvement. International efforts are being mobilized as Kenya seeks to facilitate a summit aimed at addressing the crisis between DRC and Rwanda. Despite calls for intervention and sanctions, the situation reflects deep-rooted regional conflicts that require sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve a resolution and ensure peace in the region.
Original Source: www.bryantimes.com
