The DRC foreign minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, urged the UN Security Council to intervene in the escalating crisis in Goma, controlled by M23 rebels. She called for the withdrawal of Rwandan irregular fighters, sanctions against Rwandan forces, and an embargo on illicit mineral exports. Thousands have fled to Rwanda amid severe humanitarian conditions in Goma, prompting widespread international concern and calls for action.
In a recent address to the UN Security Council, the foreign minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, urged immediate intervention in response to the escalating conflict in Goma, controlled by M23 rebels. With thousands fleeing to Rwanda, she asserted, “Rwanda cannot be allowed to continue to act with impunity,” emphasizing the need for substantial actions beyond verbal condemnation.
Wagner highlighted the necessity of withdrawing irregular fighters from Congolese territory, stating, “There is no path to sustainable, peaceful resolution without this crucial step.” She also called for sanctions targeting the Rwandan Defence Forces’ command structure, aiming to impede its capacity for aggression against the DRC.
Additionally, Wagner insisted on an embargo regarding Rwanda’s exploitations of the DRC’s mineral resources, which fund ongoing hostilities. The U.S. echoed this call, pressing for tangible measures to counter the Rwandan-backed M23 offensive, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame concurred with the U.S. on the need for a ceasefire and urged addressing the conflict’s long-standing root causes. The M23 group has fortified its hold on Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, seizing control on Monday following significant violence that resulted in numerous casualties and displacements.
The situation in Goma has led to a mass exodus of residents seeking refuge in Rwanda, with an estimated millions displaced and thousands trapped in dire conditions. Wagner lamented the severity of the crisis, claiming, “Countless lives have been lost. Enough is enough.” Recently, M23 rebels indicated intentions to establish administrative control in Goma, suggesting an intent to facilitate the return of displaced individuals.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been plagued by conflict for decades, particularly in North Kivu province, where multiple armed groups vie for control amidst rich mineral resources. The M23 rebels, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, have recently escalated their offensive, capturing Goma and displacing numerous residents. This situation has prompted serious international concern, with calls for the UN Security Council to take immediate and concrete action to protect peace and stability in the region.
In summary, the escalating conflict in Goma, driven by M23 rebels and compounded by intervention from Rwanda, has prompted urgent calls from the DRC’s foreign minister for the UN Security Council to take decisive actions. Wagner’s emphasis on sanctions, military withdrawal, and embargoes indicates the severe urgency of the situation as the humanitarian crisis deepens. The international community must respond promptly to prevent further loss of life and foster a sustainable resolution.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
