DR Congo’s President Tshisekedi is engaging in crisis talks with Rwandan President Kagame as M23 rebels approach Goma. The M23, allegedly supported by Rwanda, has taken control of large portions of the city, leading to numerous casualties and overwhelming healthcare facilities. Protests have erupted in Kinshasa amid growing frustrations over foreign intervention, with urgent calls for ceasefire and humanitarian assistance intensifying in response to the spiraling crisis.
DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi is set to convene with Rwandan President Paul Kagame during an emergency summit on Wednesday as the situation in Goma escalates. The M23 armed group, reportedly backed by Rwandan troops, has taken control of significant parts of Goma, including the airport, amidst intense clashes that have resulted in numerous casualties.
As the fighting in Goma persists, it remains uncertain how much of the city is under Congolese control versus that of the M23 rebels. Witnesses reported that significantly fewer Congolese forces were visible on the streets, with reports indicating a staggering number of over 1,200 soldiers surrendering to M23 forces.
The M23’s rapid offensive underscores the ongoing turmoil within the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a region grappling with the repercussions of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, leading to mass displacements, food shortages, and a strain on healthcare in Goma, which is facing overwhelming numbers of injured individuals.
In response to the escalating violence, protests erupted in the capital city, Kinshasa, where demonstrators targeted foreign embassies, expressing frustration over perceived inaction by the international community. The U.S. embassy advised its citizens to leave the country due to the unrest, highlighting the global concern surrounding the situation.
Organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross are struggling to manage the influx of casualties in Goma’s already overwhelmed hospitals, with dire warnings about potential outbreaks of diseases. The region has experienced a massive displacement crisis with half a million individuals forced from their homes just this year alone.
During a recent UN Security Council meeting, U.N. peacekeepers cautioned that the violence could reignite ethnic conflicts reminiscent of past genocides. The African Union has called upon the M23 to cease hostilities, stressing the need for dialogue, without directly addressing the role of Rwanda in the conflict.
The DRC government accuses Rwanda of attempting to exploit the region’s mineral wealth, further complicating the situation. Rwanda, in turn, insists its military presence is aimed at addressing threats posed by the FDLR, a group formed by individuals involved in the 1994 genocide.
Calls for a ceasefire have intensified, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging all parties to respect territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Rwanda continues to face scrutiny regarding its military involvement with the M23 rebels, which has significantly exacerbated the conflict.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has a long history of turmoil often linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which has fueled ongoing conflicts in the region. Goma, a city within the eastern DRC, has become a flashpoint for violent clashes among armed groups, particularly with the emergence of the M23 rebels. This group has received allegations of support from Rwanda, leading to increased tension between the DRC and its neighbor. The situation has driven a humanitarian crisis, with significant numbers of people displaced and healthcare services overwhelmed.
The crisis in Goma reflects the complex interplay of regional politics, historical grievances, and humanitarian emergencies. The urgent summit between the DRC and Rwandan leaders reveals the international community’s concern regarding escalating conflicts and their potential consequences. As the violence continues, global organizations are calling for immediate action to halt hostilities and address the dire humanitarian needs arising from the conflict.
Original Source: www.france24.com
