Rwanda is dedicated to finding a political solution to the violence in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels are actively engaging government forces. Kinshasa demands the immediate removal of Rwandan troops and sanctions against officials involved, as thousands flee escalating violence, particularly in the Goma region. The humanitarian impact is severe, with overcrowded medical facilities and substantial civilian displacement reported.
Rwanda has reaffirmed its commitment to seeking a political resolution to the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where clashes between M23 rebels and government forces have intensified. The Rwandan Foreign Ministry attributed the recent surge in violence, particularly near Goma, to ongoing cease-fire violations by Congolese military forces and their allied troops, a situation that threatens Rwanda’s own security and stability.
During a UN Security Council emergency session, Kinshasa, the DRC capital, demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory and called for targeted sanctions against Rwandan officials potentially involved in the conflict. Thousands of civilians are fleeing the violence, particularly from North Kivu, as fighting persists near the provincial capital, Goma.
Local residents reported ongoing gunfire and movements of people towards safer areas, including an influx of travelers crossing into Rwanda. In Goma, many shops have closed due to the threat posed by M23 rebels encircling the city, creating a humanitarian crisis in the region, with people seeking refuge in schools and other safer locations.
The humanitarian coordinator in the DRC expressed severe concerns about the situation, noting that Goma’s Ndosho General Hospital is overwhelmed, treating more than 256 injured individuals, many of whom are civilians. As fighting continues and the M23 control key areas, they have also closed the airspace over Goma, alleging that governmental forces are utilizing the airport for military purposes.
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has consistently denied allegations of backing the M23 rebels. According to UNHCR, the ongoing conflict has displaced over 400,000 individuals just this year, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable humanitarian response.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been facing ongoing violence, particularly in the eastern region surrounding Goma, where clashes between M23 rebels and government forces have escalated. Rwanda’s involvement in this conflict has raised tensions, prompting calls from the DRC for withdrawal of Rwandan troops and international sanctions against implicated officials. The situation has resulted in significant civilian displacement and urgent humanitarian concerns as many flee the fighting.
The escalating conflict in eastern Congo has intensified concerns of regional stability and humanitarian crises, with thousands of civilians seeking refuge. Rwanda’s emphasis on a political resolution juxtaposed with DRC’s demands for military withdrawal indicates a complex dynamic that requires urgent international attention. The increasing number of displaced persons highlights the gravity of the situation, underscoring the necessity for humanitarian response efforts.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
