DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has announced a strong military response as M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, advance in eastern DRC, particularly after seizing Goma. Tshisekedi criticized the international community for inaction and emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated counter against these fighters. Regional blocs are calling for peaceful resolutions while soldiers from the SAMIDRC face casualties. Angola proposes urgent talks between DRC and Rwandan leaders to address the crisis.
The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi, has pledged a “vigorous” military response against Rwandan-backed fighters as they continue to advance in the eastern region following their recent seizure of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. This escalation is part of a long-standing conflict in which the March 23 Movement (M23) has seized significant territory over several years.
The M23 offensive, which has recently intensified with its capture of Goma, has compelled regional organizations in Eastern and Southern Africa to convene emergency meetings. In light of this situation, international voices, including the United Nations and the European Union, have urged a cessation of hostilities and a resolution to the conflict.
In his recent address, President Tshisekedi criticized the international community for its “silence and inaction,” calling it an affront given the current security crisis. He emphasized the need for a coordinated military response against what he termed as “terrorists and their sponsors,” asserting that the DRC’s security situation is deteriorating rapidly.
President Tshisekedi chose not to participate in crisis discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Following virtual talks, the East African Community reiterated the importance of a peaceful resolution, suggesting that the DRC engage directly with all involved parties, including the M23 rebels.
Amid these tensions, President Kagame declared to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa that Rwanda would not act as a mediator, and he contended that the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) should not purport to be a peacekeeping force. This comes in the wake of recent casualties among South African soldiers involved in UN peacekeeping efforts.
Additionally, Angola has stepped forward, calling for an urgent meeting between Congolese and Rwandan leaders in Luanda, while the Southern African Development Community plans to hold a special summit in Zimbabwe regarding the ongoing crisis, scheduled for Friday.
The conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has persisted for over three decades, characterized by a multitude of armed groups competing for control and influence over a region rich in natural resources. The M23, established in 2012, has been a central player in this conflict, backed by Rwanda. The conflict has attracted international concern, prompting calls for intervention and resolution from various regional and global entities.
In summary, the situation in the DRC continues to deteriorate as M23 rebels advance, prompting President Felix Tshisekedi to vow a decisive military effort in response. This situation has drawn attention from international bodies advocating for peace, revealing a complex interplay of regional dynamics and the need for dialogue. Ongoing discussions, including proposed talks in Angola, signal attempts to mitigate escalating tensions among affected parties.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
