President Tshisekedi of the DRC plans a strong military response to the advancing M23 rebels, who recently captured Goma. International bodies have urged resolution to the conflict, while Tshisekedi criticized their inaction. Russia and regional blocs are engaged in discussions as violence continues to escalate, particularly impacting South African troops in the DRC.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has pledged a robust military response to the advancing Rwandan-backed M23 fighters in the eastern region, following the group’s recent capture of much of Goma, North Kivu’s capital. This escalation marks a significant development in a prolonged conflict characterized by the activities of several rival armed factions in the area over the past thirty years.
The M23 offensive has created alarm across Africa, prompting regional organizations to convene emergency meetings. In this context, international bodies, including the United Nations, United States, China, and European Union, have called for a resolution to the violence. In a recent address, President Tshisekedi denounced the international community’s lack of response, labeling it an affront amid an escalating security crisis that threatens to destabilize the Great Lakes region.
Despite crisis discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, President Tshisekedi declined to participate in negotiations. After a virtual summit, the East African Community requested peaceful conflict resolutions and advocated that the DRC engage its stakeholders, including the M23 rebels. In a post on social media, President Kagame stated that Rwanda could not serve as a mediator in this conflict.
The ongoing violence has resulted in the deaths of thirteen South African soldiers participating in a UN peacekeeping mission in DRC. Kagame clarified that the Southern African Development Community Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC) does not possess the characteristics of a peacekeeping force and is misplaced in the current context. A special summit of the Southern African Development Community is scheduled in Zimbabwe to address the crisis further.
Angola has called for urgent discussions between Congolese and Rwandan leaders in Luanda, leveraging its previous role in mediating ceasefires between the DRC army and the M23. The political landscape in the eastern DRC remains tense as the international community watches closely and hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced internal strife and violence for over three decades, compounded by cross-border conflicts involving various armed groups. The M23 rebel group, formed in 2012, has periodically risen in prominence, creating instability particularly in the mineral-rich eastern regions such as North Kivu. The recent offensive by M23 fighters has reignited tensions, drawing international attention and calls for action from various regional and global bodies.
In conclusion, President Tshisekedi’s commitment to a vigorous military response underscores the gravity of the situation in the DRC as M23 rebels solidify their hold on Goma. The international community faces criticism for its silence amid escalating violence, prompting a call for urgent engagement among regional leaders. With the potential for wider regional instability, ongoing diplomatic efforts will be crucial in addressing the crisis effectively.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com