The Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of declaring war by sending troops across the border to support the M23 militia. DRC has requested the UN to impose sanctions against Rwandan officials, while the situation in Goma has led to increased violence and casualties among peacekeepers. Both nations have withdrawn their diplomats amid escalating tensions, prompting calls for a ceasefire and international intervention.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has formally requested the United Nations (UN) to impose sanctions on Rwanda, asserting that the neighboring country has effectively declared war by deploying additional troops across the border. Larger reinforcements are reportedly joining the Rwandan-backed M23 militia, which is advancing towards Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, where clashes have intensified. The situation has led to the deaths of several peacekeepers, prompting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to call for Rwanda’s withdrawal from DRC territory.
At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, DRC’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner condemned Rwanda’s actions, stating they amounted to a “frontal assault” and emphasized the need for punitive measures. Reports indicate that between 500 and 1,000 Rwandan soldiers crossed into DRC to bolster M23 forces. The DRC urged the Security Council to execute targeted sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans on Rwandan officials.
The deterioration of relations between the DRC and Rwanda is evident, marked by the withdrawal of diplomats from both nations. This conflict escalated following the breakdown of peace negotiations between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi. The strategic city of Goma, housing over a million people, has experienced heavy fighting, compelling new waves of displaced individuals to seek refuge within the city amid increasing military activity.
The African Union and the United States have added their voices to the international outcry, calling for an immediate ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Guterres urged both the M23 to halt all military operations and Rwanda to cease support for the militia and withdraw its troops. Previous UN reports have implicated Rwanda in using the M23 to exploit DRC’s mineral resources, raising further concerns.
In light of the ongoing violence, the DRC has proposed a comprehensive embargo on mineral exports branded as Rwandan, specifically gold. Following DRC’s recent diplomatic withdrawal from Kigali, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister claimed that their last diplomat was evacuated due to threats received from Congolese officials. Historically, the M23 has occupied Goma in the past, creating a cycle of violence marked by numerous ceasefires that have frequently been violated.
Over the past three decades, eastern DRC has endured significant instability from various armed groups vying for control. The UN has lost several peacekeepers in the current climate, prompting the mission to evacuate non-essential staff from Goma to neighboring Uganda and Kinshasa as a precautionary measure.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu, has long been fueled by the presence of various militia groups, including the M23, which is allegedly supported by Rwanda. This history of violence has seen repeated cycles of aggression, with international actors often calling for peace and intervention. The recent escalation marks a critical point in DRC-Rwanda relations, with both nations withdrawing diplomats and the potential for further international ramifications if Rwanda’s military presence continues unchallenged.
The DRC has urgently called for international intervention against Rwanda’s alleged military aggression, framing it as a declaration of war. This situation has escalated with the M23’s advance towards Goma and the consequential loss of peacekeepers. The international community, including the UN, faces pressure to address the humanitarian and geopolitical implications of sustained hostilities in the region, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic dialogue.
Original Source: www.wyomingnewsnow.tv
