Gunfire erupted in Goma as Congolese forces battled militia fighters backed by Rwandan troops. Protests in Kinshasa targeted foreign embassies due to perceived international indifference. With food assistance halted, the UN voiced concern for growing food shortages. President Tshisekedi is expected to address the nation amid ongoing escalations and a crisis summit with regional leaders.
Gunfire echoed through Goma on Tuesday as Congolese forces engaged in combat with militia members reportedly supported by Rwandan troops. The eastern city has become a frontline since the Tutsi-led M23 group advanced into Goma following weeks of conflict. This recent escalation exacerbates long-standing violence in the resource-rich region, which has struggled with armed group conflicts since the 1994 Rwandan genocide and has deepened the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Protests erupted in Kinshasa against perceived international indifference, leading demonstrators to assault several embassies, including those of Rwanda, France, Belgium, and the United States. Kenia’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei criticized the actions of protesters targeting Kenyan and Ugandan embassies. The U.S. embassy recommended that citizens remain indoors for safety, while France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot disparaged the embassy attacks.
Despite heightened tensions, the intensity of fighting in Goma appeared to diminish, although sporadic gunfire remained evident. The city, with a population of one million and over 700,000 internally displaced persons, has witnessed increased violence and reports of looting by both soldiers and militia members. Some residents shared their harrowing experiences of theft at the hands of armed groups, intensifying fear among civilians.
Reports indicate that at least 17 individuals have died, and over 367 have sustained injuries amid the two-day conflict, resulting in overwhelmed hospitals. As essential food assistance has been halted, the UN expressed great concern for food shortages in the area. The World Food Programme cautioned that the next 24 hours would be pivotal, as supplies dwindle.
The Congolese government condemned previous UN Security Council statements for being unspecific in addressing Rwanda’s alleged role in the conflict. Rwanda refuted accusations, arguing their objective is to combat Hutu militant groups. An emergency meeting of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council was scheduled, coinciding with President Tshisekedi’s upcoming national address regarding the situation.
Amid mounting casualties, a crisis summit set for Wednesday will include leaders from Kenya, DRC, and Rwanda to discuss the escalating violence. The M23 group previously controlled Goma in 2012 before being defeated, but it has since regained strength. The most recent conflict marks a significant escalation in the long-standing struggles within North Kivu province.
The situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has worsened due to armed conflicts between Congolese authorities and the M23 militia group, along with reports of Rwandan military support for the rebels. Since the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, the region has been plagued by violence fueled by disputes over rich mineral resources like gold and coltan. A humanitarian crisis has ensued, displacing hundreds of thousands of people while affecting basic needs and security. Previous efforts at negotiation have broken down, raising concerns over future stability.
The ongoing conflict in Goma illustrates the complex interplay of local militia activities, regional rivalries, and international diplomatic efforts impacting the eastern DRC’s safety and humanitarian conditions. Increased violence, protests, and the humanitarian crisis emphasize the urgency for international and regional action to restore peace and stability. As leaders convene in a crisis summit, the focus will be on finding resolutions to a conflict that has historical roots and significant implications for the region’s future.
Original Source: www.wfxg.com
