The Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of a “declaration of war” by sending troops to support the M23 faction, expressing this concern to the United Nations. The DRC government has called for sanctions against Rwanda as fighting intensifies near Goma, resulting in peacekeeper casualties and a growing humanitarian crisis. The DRC has also proposed a ban on the export of Rwandan-labelled minerals as part of its response to Rwanda’s alleged exploitation of local resources.
On Sunday, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) formally requested the United Nations to impose sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of waging a “declaration of war” by deploying additional troops across the border. The DRC government claims these reinforcements are supporting the Rwandan-backed M23 faction, which has intensified its offensive toward Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. Fighting escalated, resulting in the deaths of several foreign peacekeepers, prompting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to urge the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory.
At an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council, the DRC’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba stated that an influx of Rwandan soldiers constitutes a blatant violation of DRC sovereignty, likening it to a full-scale assault. Recent reports indicated that between 500 and 1,000 Rwandan troops crossed into the DRC to bolster the M23 forces near Goma. The DRC has called for targeted sanctions against Rwandan officials, including asset freezes and travel restrictions.
Relations between the DRC and Rwanda have deteriorated drastically since talks between their leaders were abandoned in December. As a consequence, both nations have recalled their ambassadors. Goma, a city with over a million residents, is currently experiencing heavy fighting, with shelling reported in the city center and an influx of displaced individuals seeking refuge.
International condemnation of Rwanda’s involvement has grown, with entities such as the African Union and the United States urging an immediate ceasefire. Secretary-General Guterres reiterated calls for all parties, including the M23, to halt hostilities and for Rwanda to withdraw its support for these forces. There have been allegations that Rwanda utilizes the M23 for access to DRC’s mineral resources, emphasizing the conflict’s underlying motivations.
The DRC government has proposed an embargo on Rwandan-labelled mineral exports, particularly gold, to address this issue. Just prior to this outbreak of violence, Rwanda evacuated its last remaining diplomat from the DRC amidst security concerns. Historically, the M23 has posed a significant threat, temporarily occupying Goma in 2012 before being ousted but managing to regroup subsequently, leading to ongoing instability in the region.
The longstanding conflict in eastern DRC involves multiple armed groups and ethnic factions, compounded by a heavy UN peacekeeping presence, with 15,000 troops operational in the area. Recent violence has claimed the lives of 13 peacekeepers, highlighting the dangers faced by international forces amidst the unrest. In response to escalating tensions, the UN initiated the evacuation of non-essential staff from Goma to Uganda and Kinshasa.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has long been embroiled in conflict due to a complex interplay of local and regional issues, where armed groups and foreign involvement contribute to instability. The M23 faction, which is reported to be backed by Rwandan forces, has been involved in numerous clashes with Congolese troops, raising tensions between the two nations. The United Nations plays a significant role in peacekeeping but has faced criticism over its inability to effectively address the situation, leading to calls for further international action against Rwanda.
In summary, the Democratic Republic of Congo is urging the United Nations to take decisive action against Rwanda following the latter’s alleged military engagement. As conflict escalates near Goma, marked by civilian displacement and casualties among peacekeepers, the demand for sanctions is coupled with appeals for a ceasefire and withdrawal of foreign troops. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing turmoil in the region.
Original Source: www.dailygazette.com
