Gunfire erupted in Goma, DRC, as Rwanda increases troop support for the M23 rebels amid mounting international pressure for peace talks. Kenyan leaders will mediate discussions between DRC and Rwanda. The DRC calls Rwanda’s actions a “declaration of war” while seeking sanctions from the UN. The conflict continues to claim lives and complicate regional relations, raising urgent calls for diplomatic intervention.
Gunfire erupted in Goma, a strategic city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following accusations against Rwanda for sending additional troops to support the M23 rebel group. Despite the ongoing violence, Kenya announced that President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda would engage in summit talks aimed at relieving tensions.
Last night, large explosions were reported across Goma as the conflict intensified between the M23, bolstered by Rwandan support, and the Congolese army alongside UN peacekeepers. While the city fell silent by midnight, the extent of M23’s territorial gains remained uncertain. This battle represents the continuing instability in eastern DRC, characterized by ethnic disputes and armed militia conflicts.
The DRC government labeled Rwanda’s troop transfers as a “declaration of war” and urged United Nations sanctions against the neighboring country. The M23 has made significant headway in its assault on Goma, leading to casualties among foreign peacekeepers. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for Rwanda to withdraw its forces, though Rwanda has dismissed this demand.
In a marked escalation, DRC’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner described the influx of Rwandan troops as an open violation of sovereignty. Reports indicate that 500 to 1,000 additional Rwandan soldiers crossed the border to reinforce the M23. Calls for UN intervention have intensified amidst rising tensions, with the DRC seeking accountability from Rwanda.
Amid the crisis, both nations have withdrawn diplomats from each other’s capitals following the breakdown of relations. Past peace talks between Kagame and Tshisekedi concluded unsuccessfully, facilitating M23’s advance towards Goma, now hosting over a million residents. Guterres recently urged Rwanda to cease its support for the M23, as UN reports disclose Rwandan troop involvement in conflict dynamics for resource gain.
The M23 briefly took Goma in 2012 before withdrawing under an agreement. The group re-emerged years later after being previously defeated. Multiple ceasefires have failed, with another signed in July. Escalating violence has resulted in the deaths of 13 peacekeepers from several nations, underscoring the toll of the ongoing conflict.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, particularly in Goma, is deeply rooted in historical ethnic tensions and armed group rivalries, often exacerbated by external influences from neighboring countries. Rwanda’s involvement in supporting the M23 rebel group has heightened tensions, with accusations of territorial aggression and destabilization. The situation calls for urgent diplomatic efforts to restore peace and address significant humanitarian concerns regarding the local population, many of whom are displaced due to the fighting.
The recent outbreak of violence in Goma highlights the volatile nature of the DRC’s eastern region, as escalating hostilities with support from Rwanda place immense pressure on local governance and international relations. Diplomatic efforts led by Kenya aim to facilitate a ceasefire, yet the history of broken agreements raises concerns about the future stability of the area. Both countries must navigate their diplomatic ties carefully to foster a lasting resolution to this longstanding crisis.
Original Source: www.bryantimes.com
