President Felix Tshisekedi has cut short his Davos trip due to escalating conflict at home. Fighting in eastern DR Congo has intensified with M23 rebels advancing towards Goma, displacing over 400,000 people. Tshisekedi returned for urgent security meetings as the situation raises concerns of a broader regional war, highlighted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, has abruptly terminated his participation in the World Economic Forum held in Davos due to the escalating conflict in his country. Significant fighting has surged in the eastern region, largely attributed to the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who have captured considerable territory since the beginning of the year. The United Nations reports that over 400,000 individuals have been displaced as the rebels approach the critical provincial capital of Goma.
Upon returning from Switzerland, President Tshisekedi convened urgent security meetings with senior officials. In recent weeks, the M23 has taken the towns of Masisi and Minova in North Kivu. The potential takeover of Goma, home to over a million residents and located near the Rwandan border, poses a substantial threat to stability, especially as the rebels previously occupied the city during a rebellion in 2012 before withdrawing under a peace agreement.
The M23 rebel group reportedly captured the town of Sake, which is located just 12 miles from Goma, leading to further displacement among residents who are escaping with essential belongings. Many individuals are seen fleeing with mattresses and other necessities, often utilizing overcrowded wooden boats for evacuation. The M23’s control over the mineral-rich eastern territories of the DR Congo has prompted humanitarian concerns, with displacements worsening since their resurgence in late 2021.
Concerns regarding the M23’s backing by Rwandan authorities have been raised by both the Congolese government and the UN, although Rwanda has neither confirmed nor denied these allegations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the conflict could escalate into a larger regional war, urging all parties to respect the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He called for an end to all forms of armed group support in the region.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is primarily fueled by the M23 rebel group, which has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda. This situation has led to significant humanitarian crises, including large-scale displacement as civilians flee from advancing rebels. The city of Goma is of particular strategic importance due to its size and proximity to the border with Rwanda, making recent escalations in fighting a critical concern for regional stability.
In summary, President Tshisekedi’s hasty return from the World Economic Forum underscores the severity of the security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the advancing M23 rebels. The situation has resulted in widespread displacement and poses a potential threat of regional conflict, prompting international calls for respect for national sovereignty and an end to support for armed groups.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
