The Democratic Republic of Congo has cut diplomatic ties with Rwanda as clashes with M23 rebels escalate near Goma, displacing thousands and resulting in multiple peacekeeper fatalities. Accusations of Rwandan support for the rebels continue as fighting threatens regional stability, prompting urgent discussions among international bodies.
GOMA, Congo (AP) — In a significant diplomatic escalation, the Democratic Republic of Congo has severed ties with Rwanda amidst intensifying clashes with M23 rebels, who are encroaching on Goma. This violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers, while thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes. The ongoing conflict poses a substantial threat to the stability of Goma, a city with approximately two million residents and a crucial hub for security and humanitarian operations.
The M23 rebel group, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis who split from the Congolese army over a decade ago, has reportedly made notable territorial advancements near the Rwanda border. Accusations from Congo, the United States, and U.N. experts suggest criminal backing from the Rwandan government. Despite these claims, Rwanda has denied its involvement while admitting to positioning troops and military systems in eastern Congo for national security purposes, citing the nearby build-up of Congolese forces as a concern.
Following the decision to cut diplomatic ties, the Congolese Foreign Ministry announced the immediate withdrawal of all diplomatic personnel from Rwanda. Rwanda has yet to release an official comment regarding this development. In light of the escalating violence, the U.N. Security Council convened an emergency meeting to address the situation, originally scheduled for the next day but moved up upon Congo’s request.
Severe gunfire was reported on a recent Sunday morning in Goma, with countless displaced individuals fleeing towards the city center from bordering camps. Earlier in the week, the M23 rebels captured Sake, heightening fears that Goma might soon be overtaken. In response, the Congolese army asserted that it successfully repelled an offensive by M23, aided by U.N. forces and soldiers from the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC).
Tragically, two South African peacekeepers and a Uruguayan soldier lost their lives in the recent fighting, while three Malawian peacekeepers were confirmed dead as reported by the United Nations. Over the past two days, a total of seven South African soldiers from SAMIDRC have similarly perished during encounters with M23. Since 2021, collective efforts by Congo’s government, SAMIDRC, and U.N. troops have been aimed at maintaining M23’s distance from Goma, where the U.N. peacekeeping force, known as MONUSCO, continues its operations with around 14,000 personnel deployed in the region.
The conflict surrounding Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo represents a complex humanitarian and security crisis exacerbated by historical tensions between Congolese groups and Rwanda. The M23 rebel movement claims to protect the interests of the Tutsi population, a group that has been involved in significant past conflicts, including the Rwandan Genocide. With over 100 armed groups present in the area, the international community remains concerned about regional stability, human rights violations, and the potential for increased violence amidst competing interests over resources and territorial control.
In summary, the severance of diplomatic relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda marks a critical juncture in the ongoing violence around Goma. With thousands displaced and numerous casualties among peacekeeping forces, the situation calls for urgent international attention. The backing of M23 by Rwanda, alongside the extensive deployment of peacekeepers in the Congolese region, highlights the volatility of the area and the pressing need for a sustainable resolution.
Original Source: apnews.com
