Burundi troops are deploying in eastern DRC as the UK suspends aid to Rwanda over the M23 conflict. M23 has seized major cities, exacerbating decades of unrest. The UK conditions aid on a reduction of hostilities. Regional leaders are advocating for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid as violence escalates, with significant casualties reported in the area.
Burundi troops, allied with Kinshasa, commenced their deployment in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Tuesday. This action follows the announcement of the United Kingdom’s suspension of most direct bilateral aid to Rwanda amid claims that the M23 fighters, supported by Rwanda, are advancing in the region. The M23 has captured two significant cities in eastern DRC, leading to heightened tensions in an area long plagued by conflict.
The ongoing violence in eastern DRC has resulted in millions of deaths over the past three decades. A spokesperson for the UK government stated, “Rwanda may have security concerns but it is unacceptable to resolve these militarily. There can only be a political solution to this conflict.” Therefore, they suspended aid until meaningful progress is made in reducing hostilities.
Recent developments have seen M23 fighters seize control of South Kivu’s provincial capital, Bukavu, after previously capturing Goma, the primary city in North Kivu. Reports suggest that the DRC army has faced challenges, with many soldiers committing atrocities during their retreat, resulting in little resistance to the M23’s advances.
As the M23 approaches Uvira, located near Lake Tanganyika, Burundian troops have mobilized northward from the town to counter the advancing M23 fighters. Observations as of Sunday indicated that heavily armed Burundian soldiers were en route to Luvungi, alongside pro-Kinshasa militia members.
In addition to ground movements, the South African military announced that some troops, injured during conflict, returned home for recovery. The troops were part of a mission by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) aimed at restoring order in eastern DRC. As part of diplomatic efforts, three former African leaders have been appointed to facilitate peace negotiations in the region.
Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), expressed concern upon his arrival in Kinshasa, stating, “We are extremely worried about recent developments in Congo, we know the situation particularly in the east is acute.” Both the East African Community (EAC) and SADC have begun a combined effort to seek a ceasefire and outlined objectives for humanitarian aid.
The DRC’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka reported that over 7,000 lives have been lost in the region since January, with the UN noting more than 3,000 fatalities attributed to the recent M23 offensive. Casualty reports indicate that there have been at least 842 deaths in hospitals in Goma and surrounding areas as of mid-February, raising alarming concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC.
In summary, the situation in eastern DRC remains precarious due to the escalating conflict involving the M23 group, supported by Rwanda, and the deployment of Burundian troops. The United Kingdom has paused most aid to Rwanda, indicating concerns regarding military resolutions to security issues. Heightened violence has resulted in significant casualties, prompting regional leaders and the ICC to prioritize peace negotiations and humanitarian efforts amidst the ongoing crisis.
Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com
