Escalating Conflict in Goma: DRC Accuses Rwanda of Military Incursion

Gunfire erupted in Goma as the DRC accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels. International pressure mounted for a resolution, leading to a summit announcement by Kenya. Fighting continues near Goma, with escalating violence threatening peacekeepers and prompting severe diplomatic breaks between the two nations. UN officials called for Rwanda’s withdrawal, which was rebuffed amid security concerns.

Gunfire erupted in Goma, the beleaguered city in eastern Congo, as tensions escalated between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The DRC accused Rwanda of bolstering the M23 rebel group with additional troops to seize control of Goma amid increasing calls for peace negotiations by the international community. Following these developments, Kenya announced a forthcoming summit with leaders from both nations to address the crisis.

Explosions rang out in Goma late Sunday as fighting continued between M23 forces, allegedly supported by Rwandan troops, and the Congolese army along the borders of the city. Although a lull in fighting was reported by midnight, uncertainty loomed regarding the extent of M23’s advances. This ongoing conflict reflects a broader, persistent struggle in eastern DRC, marked by complex regional rivalries and ethnic tensions.

The DRC’s government condemned Rwanda’s troop deployment as an act of aggression, appealing to the United Nations for sanctions against its neighbor. The M23, already supported by thousands of Rwandan soldiers, has made significant territorial gains, raising concerns over the violence and casualties among foreign peacekeepers engaged in the conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces, a demand Rwanda rebuffed, citing security justifications.

Kenyan officials emphasized the importance of dialogue, announcing a summit of the East African Community aimed at discussing the crisis. During a UN Security Council emergency meeting, the DRC’s foreign minister accused Rwanda of an overt violation of sovereignty, asserting that the influx of troops constituted a “declaration of war.” Diplomatic relations have frayed, with both countries recalling their diplomats.

Past negotiations between the DRC and Rwanda have faltered, contributing to the resurgence of conflict, notably the M23’s rapid advance towards Goma. Recent reports from UN experts indicated Rwanda’s interest in accessing the DRC’s mineral wealth through the M23’s efforts. The precarious situation also saw a tragic loss of life among peacekeepers, underscoring the broader implications of the ongoing violence and instability in the region.

The situation in Goma epitomizes the complex and enduring challenges faced by eastern DRC, which has experienced tumultuous political strife, ethnic conflicts, and clashes among armed groups for over thirty years. The M23, notorious for its military operations, has historically exploited regional tensions, often supported by external actors. Recent military escalations have drawn international attention and condemnation, triggering urgent calls for diplomacy and intervention to stabilize the area. With heightened rivalries and significant humanitarian implications, the conflict remains a critical concern for regional security and international peacekeeping efforts.

The recent gunfire in Goma signifies a crucial flashpoint in the ongoing conflict between DRC and Rwanda, exacerbated by the involvement of the M23 rebel group. Despite calls for peace and regional dialogue, allegations of warfare and troop incursions threaten to escalate the situation further. As diplomatic relations deteriorate, the need for effective conflict resolution becomes increasingly urgent to curtail violence and humanitarian crises in eastern DRC.

Original Source: thesun.my