Rwanda has urged a ceasefire in eastern Congo and negotiations with M23 rebels following their seizure of Goma. Despite accusations of support for the rebels, Rwandan officials advocate for dialogue while denying troop involvement. The situation remains tense with continued violence reported in Goma as the M23 advances further into Congolese territory.
In a statement on Wednesday, Rwanda urged for a ceasefire in eastern Congo alongside negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group, despite accusations of support for the rebels. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe indicated that fighting in Goma, which has been seized by rebels, would cease as they establish control. Local reports, however, noted ongoing looting and gunfire in the city amidst the turmoil.
Nduhungirehe emphasized the need for a comprehensive cessation of violence in the region and reiterated Rwanda’s long-standing call for dialogue between the DRC and M23. This follows the prominent assertion from the U.N., U.S., France, and the U.K. that Rwanda has backed M23, assisting in the capture of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo.
The Rwandan government has denied involvement, characterizing its military actions as exclusively defensive. The M23 rebels have further advanced southward to Bukavu, suggesting aspirations to broaden their territorial control. Nduhungirehe suggested that the loss of Goma diminishes President Felix Tshisekedi’s position, necessitating negotiations with M23 as the only viable alternative.
The DRC labels M23 as a terrorist organization and resists direct negotiations. Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner has appealed to the U.N. Security Council to impose sanctions on Rwanda for alleged complicity with the rebels. Ongoing ethnic conflicts rooted in the Hutu and Tutsi dynamics continue to perpetuate the violence, with Rwanda accusing Congolese forces of supporting individuals tied to the 1994 genocide.
The current conflict in eastern Congo is exacerbated by the historical ethnic tensions between Hutus and Tutsis. The M23 rebel group, which Congo considers a terrorist entity, has seen significant territorial gains since earlier this year, highlighting the fragile security situation. Diplomatic relationships between Rwanda and the DRC continue to be strained, particularly in light of accusations regarding military support and the handling of past genocidal conflicts.
Rwanda’s call for a ceasefire and negotiations amid the turmoil in eastern Congo highlights the escalating conflict with the M23 rebels. Local reports of violence and looting in Goma complicate these diplomatic efforts. As Rwanda stands accused of backing the rebel forces, the DRC remains resistant to dialogue, complicating the prospects for peace in the region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
