The President of DR Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, cut short his Davos trip due to escalating conflict at home as M23 rebels advance, having displaced over 400,000 people this year. Goma, a significant city near the Rwandan border, is at risk of falling to the rebels, raising concerns over regional destabilization. UN Secretary-General warns of a potential broader war, urging respect for Congo’s sovereignty.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi, has abruptly returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos due to escalating violence back home. Armed conflict has intensified in the eastern region of the DRC since the start of the year, primarily driven by advancements of the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel group, which has captured more territory than ever before.
According to the United Nations, over 400,000 individuals have been displaced since January as M23 continues its advance towards the provincial capital of Goma. During the last few weeks, M23 has gained control over the towns of Masisi and Minova within North Kivu province. The potential capture of Goma, a major urban center with over one million residents near the Rwandan border, presents a critical threat to the Congolese government.
Recently, the M23 seized the town of Sake, located approximately 12 miles from Goma. Reports from the Congolese army indicate that they successfully repelled this attack, although numerous residents from Sake and surrounding areas continue to flee. Many displaced individuals are carrying essential belongings and seeking refuge, while overcrowded boats are utilized for evacuation.
The M23 has controlled extensive mineral-rich areas in eastern DRC since 2021, resulting in substantial displacement and humanitarian challenges. Fears surrounding the potential seizure of Goma have persisted since last year. After a brief lull in hostilities in July, the situation deteriorated significantly in October, highlighting the volatility of the region. Both the DRC and the UN maintain that the M23 is receiving assistance from Rwanda, a claim which Rwandan authorities do not confirm.
On Friday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern that the conflict might escalate into a broader regional war. He urged all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and to cease support for armed groups. Such diplomatic appeals are crucial given the fragile nature of the situation in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has historically faced numerous conflicts, particularly in its eastern regions, where various armed groups, including the M23, have exerted influence and control over mineral-rich territories. The M23, which emerged from earlier conflicts, has intensified its military actions in recent months, prompting large-scale displacements of the civilian population. The international community, including the United Nations, has raised alarm over the humanitarian impacts and the risk of regional destabilization due to foreign involvement, particularly from Rwanda.
The ongoing violence in the DRC, particularly the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, poses significant risks to both national security and civilian safety. President Tshisekedi’s decision to return from the World Economic Forum underscores the urgency of addressing the crisis. With hundreds of thousands displaced and a potential humanitarian disaster looming, there is an immediate need for international attention and intervention to restore peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
