Congolese army, supported by Burundi, curbed M23 rebel advances in eastern Congo amid tension involving Rwanda. Recent territorial seizures by M23 raised fears of broader conflict. Analysts note that without global intervention, the likelihood of escalating violence remains high, risking a repeat of past regional wars.
On Friday, Congolese forces, aided by Burundi’s military, successfully resisted the advance of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo. These rebels had recently captured Goma, the largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, renowned for its valuable mineral resources, and were progressing towards Bukavu in South Kivu province. However, sources, including Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki of South Kivu, indicated that the Congolese army and its allies managed to impede the rebels’ southern movement.
A contingent estimated at 1,500, comprising Congolese troops, Burundian soldiers, and local militia, was deployed to the town of Nyabibwe, located approximately 50 kilometers from Bukavu. An anonymous insider emphasized the urgency of the situation while stating that the risk of escalating conflict into a broader regional war looms as Congolese, Rwandan, and Burundian forces are already confronting one another in eastern Congo.
The M23 group, composed mainly of Tutsi-led fighters supported by Rwanda, represents a continuation of similar armed movements that have historically catalogued violence in Congo’s eastern territories, a legacy of the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. Kigali has firmly rejected United Nations investigations alleging that Rwandan troops have infiltrated Congo to bolster M23.
Tensions between Rwanda and Burundi remain pronounced, and military confrontations could intensify existing hostilities, echoing sentiments expressed by the United Nations regarding the potential for a renewed regional war akin to the devastating conflicts between 1996 and 2003, which wrought significant suffering through starvation and disease.
The UN confirmed instances of Rwandan forces moving into Congo toward Bukavu, but Rwanda did not comment on these claims. M23 spokesman Willy Nangaa openly criticized the situation, stating, “It is a known fact that Burundians are fighting alongside the (Congolese army). There are thousands of them.” UN assessments estimate several thousand Burundian troops are stationed in South Kivu at the request of Kinshasa’s government.
As of the latest reports, Burundi’s military has remained mum regarding these developments, while an unnamed official acknowledged the deployment of between 8,000 and 10,000 Burundian soldiers in response to Congo’s escalating requests for military support.
Furthermore, Uganda, which has its own troops in eastern Congo to combat Ugandan rebel factions, announced a shift to a “forward defensive posture” amid increasing hostilities between Congo’s army and M23.
Global powers, including the United States, Britain, and France, have urged an end to the violence and are seeking to pressure Rwandan President Paul Kagame to withdraw support from M23. Following discussions with President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot met with Kagame in Kigali.
Nevertheless, analysts warn that global powers’ hesitance to confront Rwanda directly, coupled with various international distractions and complex military dynamics on the ground, will hinder efforts to subdue the rebel forces. Bukavu has previously experienced similar unrest, falling to rebels in 2004 during another Tutsi-led insurgency.
Authorities in Bukavu have recently initiated recruitment efforts for civilian volunteers to aid in the city’s defense, responding to the growing unrest. Citizens expressed their readiness to take action, lamenting their history of suffering while determined to prevent further violence, as one resident stated their people’s resolve.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, primarily due to its vast mineral wealth and the enduring instability in the region. Following the 1994 Rwandan genocide, numerous Tutsi-backed rebel movements have surged into Congolese territory, notably the M23 group, recent actors in the ongoing struggle for power in eastern Congo. This geopolitical crisis is compounded by the involvement of regional armies, including Rwandan and Burundian forces, risking broader conflict reminiscent of previous devastating regional wars. The dynamic in the region continuously poses threats of violence as various factions vie for control over economically significant areas. The recent advances by M23 have evoked significant apprehension about a resurgence of large-scale conflict that could again affect millions, drawing international attention and calls for intervention from global powers.
In summary, the current conflict in eastern Congo, involving M23 rebels and regional military forces, has escalated alarms regarding another widespread war that may echo the tragedies of past conflicts. While Congolese and Burundian troops have temporarily succeeded in slowing M23’s advance, the situation remains precarious. Without decisive action from global powers or resolution among regional actors, the potential for further violence and destabilization persists.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
