M23 rebels and Rwandan forces launched a new offensive in eastern DRC, intensifying the conflict ahead of a scheduled summit between the DRC and Rwandan presidents. The UN reported over 2,900 deaths from battles in Goma, with M23 violating a ceasefire by advancing toward Bukavu. There is growing fear of wider instability in the region, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace.
The M23 militia, supported by Rwandan forces, has instigated a fresh offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) shortly before a crisis summit involving the leaders of Rwanda and DRC. The United Nations reported that the intense conflict surrounding the city of Goma has resulted in at least 2,900 fatalities, significantly surpassing earlier estimates. In a breach of their announced ceasefire, M23 troops advanced and captured a mining town in South Kivu, moving closer to Bukavu, the provincial capital.
Despite a claim from the M23 that they did not intend to take control of Bukavu or nearby areas, Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya criticized the ceasefire as a deceptive tactic. Despite the declaration of several ceasefires over the past three years amidst ongoing clashes, hostilities resumed as both sides mobilized reinforcements in the region. The takeover of Goma has intensified the conflict in a region plagued by instability for decades.
Vivian van de Perre, deputy chief of the UN peacekeeping mission in DRC, announced that 2,000 corpses had been found on the streets of Goma, with an additional 900 still in hospitals. Increased violence in the eastern DRC has drawn the attention of international criminal court prosecutors, who emphasized their monitoring of the situation. Residents of Bukavu expressed their fears of becoming the next conflict zone, gathering for a prayer service emphasizing the need for peace.
A joint summit in Dar es Salaam is scheduled to discuss the crisis, involving DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Before this summit, a special session of the UN Human Rights Council will convene at the request of Kinshasa. There are notable concerns about the potential escalation of violence that could lead to a broader conflict, prompting diplomatic efforts from regional actors and international bodies to find a peaceful resolution.
DRC officials criticized the international community for being ineffective in addressing the crisis, with Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner highlighting the gap between declarations and actions. Neighboring countries are reinforcing their defenses in anticipation of possible spillover effects. A recent UN report indicated that Rwanda maintains approximately 4,000 troops in DRC, allegedly seeking to exploit the region’s substantial mineral resources, including coltan and gold. Rwanda has consistently denied any military engagement, instead asserting that the DRC harbors hostile groups against them.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is characterized by a complex interplay of various armed groups and external influences. The resurgence of M23, initially active a decade ago, is linked to historical tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, often rooted in ethnic divisions and territorial disputes. The region is rich in valuable minerals, making it a site of contention where both local and foreign forces seek to exert control. The international community, while vocal, has struggled to implement effective measures to quell the violence and stabilize the area, raising concerns about further escalation and regional security threats.
The resurgence of M23 rebels, supported by Rwandan forces, has escalated the conflict in the eastern DRC, with significant loss of life reported. Numerous failed ceasefires highlight the volatility of the region, leading to widespread fear among civilians. As regional and international bodies seek diplomatic solutions, the effectiveness of these efforts remains questioned, raising the stakes for peace in an area rich in minerals yet fraught with conflict.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
