Rwanda’s President Kagame agrees with the U.S. on the need for a ceasefire in eastern Congo while refusing to withdraw Rwandan troops from Goma. The M23 rebels recently escalated conflict by entering Goma, displacing many civilians and overwhelming hospitals. The U.S. has urged the U.N. to take action, voicing concern over the situation’s origins in historical violence and mineral resource struggles. Protests have erupted in Congo against perceived foreign interference amid ongoing instability.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has expressed his agreement with the United States regarding the necessity for a ceasefire in eastern Congo. However, he did not indicate any plan for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops or the M23 rebels that they support from Goma. The situation escalated significantly on Monday as M23 rebels entered Goma, leading to increased violence and overwhelmed hospitals treating victims of gunfire and shelling.
Amidst the chaos, the U.S. urged the United Nations Security Council to consider measures to cease the rebel advances, which have displaced tens of thousands of civilians from their homes. While Goma appeared mostly calm following several days of intense conflict, some sporadic gunfire persisted. Local reports indicated signs of looting within shops and homes.
In conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Kagame emphasized the importance of targeting not just a ceasefire but also addressing the underlying causes of the conflict. Rubio conveyed Washington’s deep concern about the situation’s escalation, which is rooted in the longstanding discord originating from the Rwandan genocide and the battle over Congo’s rich mineral resources.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the head of U.N. peacekeeping have alleged the presence of Rwandan troops in Goma aiding their M23 allies. Conversely, Rwanda maintains that its forces are acting defensively against threats from Congolese militias, avoiding any explicit acknowledgment of troop deployment across the border.
Reports indicate that the armed exchanges between Congolese and Rwandan forces occurred on Monday as M23 sought to fortify its control over Goma, historically significant for trade in tin and tantalum ores. Meanwhile, sporadic explosions and gunfire were reported on the city’s periphery as residents coped with disrupted services and ongoing violence.
The M23 group is the most recent insurgency backed by Rwanda’s Tutsi government, following decades of conflict stemming from the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which resulted in Tutsi-led forces prevailing over Hutu extremists. Rwanda asserts that remnants of those extremists have formed militias in Congo that threaten both Congolese Tutsis and Rwanda’s security.
Congo, on the other hand, dismisses Rwanda’s arguments and accuses it of leveraging its militias to siphon off valuable resources like coltan. In a separate development, protests erupted in Kinshasa against foreign interventions, with demonstrators targeting U.N. compounds and various embassies, expressing indignation at external influences in Congolese matters.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has historical roots linked to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This conflict has seen repeated insurgencies, often supported by Rwanda, particularly those led by ethnic Tutsi groups like the M23. The area is rich in minerals, making it a focal point for both conflict and foreign interests, with accusations of exploitation from both neighboring countries and local factions. Recent escalations have prompted renewed calls for ceasefires, with international stakeholders such as the United States urging urgent action through the United Nations.
The conflict in eastern Congo remains deeply complex, characterized by historical grievances, territorial disputes, and external influences. While President Kagame supports the call for a ceasefire, there are underlying tensions surrounding the presence of Rwandan troops and the role of the M23 rebels. The situation in Goma continues to deteriorate, with significant humanitarian implications and ongoing international diplomatic efforts aimed at a resolution.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
