Burundi’s president has warned that the conflict in eastern DR Congo might expand into a larger regional war. The M23 armed group, supported by Rwanda, has captured Goma and intends to move toward Kinshasa. Africa’s health agency cautions that ongoing fighting may provoke new outbreaks of serious diseases.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could potentially lead to a wider regional war, as warned by the President of Burundi. The Eastern DRC has seen increased fighting, notably involving the Rwanda-supported armed group, M23, which has expressed intentions to advance towards the capital city of Kinshasa following its recent capture of Goma, the region’s largest city. Furthermore, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cautioned that continued violence may precipitate outbreaks of serious diseases.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has a long history of conflict fueled by various armed groups, often involving external support from neighboring countries. The M23 group, which has garnered backing from Rwanda, has intensified its military efforts in the east of the country, raising concerns not only about national stability but also about the implications for regional security and health risks due to potential disease spread in conflict zones.
In summary, the statements from Burundi’s president underline the escalating tensions in eastern DRC and their possible repercussions for regional stability. The capture of Goma by M23 and their threats to advance further pose a significant challenge not only to Congolese authorities but to the broader East African region. There is an urgent need for regional dialogue and interventions to prevent a humanitarian crisis and broader conflict.
Original Source: www.djournal.com
