Gunfire erupted in Goma as DRC accused Rwanda of sending troops to assist M23 fighters. Uganda plans a summit with DRC and Rwanda’s leaders to discuss the situation. The ongoing conflict highlights longstanding regional tensions and has resulted in casualties among international peacekeepers.
Gunfire erupted in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Sunday night as accusations against Rwanda escalated, alleging that additional Rwandan troops had crossed the border to assist pro-Kigali fighters in an attempt to seize the provincial capital. Amid increasing international pressure to resolve the ongoing conflict, Kenya announced that a summit involving DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame would convene within two days.
Following the onset of the conflict, explosive sounds reverberated throughout the city, indicating the intensity of the fighting. The M23 group, purportedly supported by Rwandan forces, has been clashing with the Congolese military and United Nations peacekeepers around Goma. Although activity ceased by midnight, the extent of M23’s territorial advances into Goma remains uncertain.
This confrontation in Goma represents a continuation of historical conflicts in eastern DRC, a region plagued by ethnic tensions and armed militia groups for over thirty years. DRC officials accused Rwanda of engaging in a “declaration of war” by sending its troops to support the M23, prompting calls for United Nations sanctions against Rwanda.
The M23 rebel group has made swift gains against Congolese defenses, contributing to the alarming rise in violence. The United Nations reported the deaths of approximately a dozen peacekeepers amidst the escalation, with calls from UN Chief Antonio Guterres for Rwanda to withdraw its forces dismissed by authorities in Kigali.
In response to the violence and deteriorating relations, President William Ruto of Kenya announced plans for a summit among East African Community member states to discuss the crisis. DRC’s Foreign Minister called for urgent action, specifically urging the UN Security Council to impose targeted sanctions on Rwandan officials active in the conflict.
Both DRC and Rwanda have since withdrawn their diplomatic personnel, indicating a significant diplomatic breakdown. Historically, ceasefires in the region have repeatedly failed, and recent clashes have evoked memories of a similar situation in 2012 when the M23 briefly occupied Goma. The heavy toll of conflict on peacekeepers has been stark, with several nations reporting fatalities among their personnel deployed in DRC.
This current conflict illustrates a persistent pattern of regional rivalry and violence, reflecting the challenges faced by international forces in ensuring stability. Previous efforts to address the conflict through diplomatic means have proven ineffective, underscoring the need for renewed commitment toward a sustainable resolution.
The escalating violence in Goma, a city in North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stems from decades-long conflicts involving regional rivalries, ethnic disputes, and militia activities. The M23 insurgent group, receiving alleged support from Rwandan forces, poses a significant challenge to Congo’s stability, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has compelled many individuals to flee their homes. This situation has garnered the attention of the international community, prompting calls for urgent diplomatic intervention. The area has seen a recent spike in clashes, with thousands of Rwandan troops reportedly backing the M23, intensifying accusations from DRC against Rwanda regarding breaches of sovereignty. The ongoing battle for Goma not only represents a critical flashpoint in East African geopolitics but also reflects the complexities of peacekeeping efforts in a region with a history of failed negotiations and broken ceasefires.
The ongoing gunfire in Goma underscores the complexities of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing the urgent need for international diplomatic efforts. As Kenya prepares to host talks between DRC and Rwandan officials, the humanitarian implications continue to rise. With accusations of Rwandan troop involvement fueling the crisis, the role of international peacekeepers and the effectiveness of prior agreements warrant significant scrutiny in striving toward resolution and stability in the region.
Original Source: thesun.my
