Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi has cut short his Davos trip to respond to escalating violence from the M23 rebels. Over 400,000 people have fled as the rebels capture strategic territories near Goma. The UN warns that the conflict could escalate regionally, urging respect for Congo’s sovereignty.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has cut his participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos short due to the escalating violence in eastern DR Congo. The armed conflict, fueled by the M23 rebels, has intensified since the beginning of this year, leading to increased territorial control by the insurgents and the mass displacement of civilians.
Since January, over 400,000 individuals have fled their homes as the M23 moves closer to Goma, a city that is critical for both military strategy and humanitarian conditions. Tshisekedi returned to Congo for urgent security deliberations amid this crisis, particularly following the rebels’ recent seizure of towns, such as Masisi and Minova, in North Kivu.
The potential fall of Goma to the M23 would mark a significant achievement for the rebels, reminiscent of their brief control over the city in 2012. Recent reports indicate that the M23 has captured the nearby town of Sake, although Congolese military forces contest these claims, asserting they had repelled the attack. In the midst of these tensions, civilians flee their homes with essential belongings, seeking safety from the escalating violence.
Since 2021, the M23 has gained control over extensive mineral-rich areas in eastern DR Congo, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands. Although there was a temporary lull in fighting last July, hostilities resumed with vigor in October, prompting fears over Goma once again. The Congolese government, supported by the United Nations, alleges that Rwanda backs the M23, a claim that the Rwandan authorities have not confirmed nor denied.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concerns that the ongoing conflict could escalate into a wider regional war. He urged all involved parties to honor the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing the need to cease support for armed groups in order to restore peace.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has faced prolonged conflict, particularly in its eastern regions, where various rebel groups, including the M23, have been active for years. The M23, which has been accused of being supported by Rwanda, has gained control of significant territories since 2021, leading to humanitarian crises with millions displaced. In the current situation, Goma, a strategically important city near the Rwandan border, is under threat, igniting fears of an escalated conflict that could draw in regional powers.
In summary, President Tshisekedi’s hasty return from Davos underscores the severity of the conflict in eastern DR Congo as fighting intensifies with the M23 rebels seizing critical territories. The humanitarian situation worsens as heavy fighting displaces thousands of civilians, prompting urgent calls for international support and respect for Congo’s sovereignty to avert further escalation. With UN warnings of potential regional conflict, the situation remains tense and volatile.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
