President Felix Tshisekedi has curtailed his Davos visit amid escalating violence in the DRC, where M23 rebels are advancing significantly. Over 400,000 people have been displaced, raising alarms about the potential fall of Goma, a critical city bordering Rwanda. Urgent security meetings were convened as concerns about the conflict escalating into a regional war grow, amid accusations of Rwandan support for the M23.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has abbreviated his attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos in response to escalating violence in his nation. The ongoing conflict in the eastern region has intensified, particularly with the M23 rebel group gaining control of significant territory and displacing over 400,000 individuals since the beginning of the year.
Upon his return from Switzerland, President Tshisekedi convened urgent security meetings with leading officials. The M23 has made notable advances, recently capturing towns such as Masisi and Minova in North Kivu, raising concerns about the potential fall of the provincial capital, Goma.
The strategic loss of Goma, a city of over a million inhabitants near the Rwandan border, would represent a significant success for the M23, which has historical ties to previous conflicts in the region. As the rebels recently seized the town of Sake, tension remains high, with the Congolese army asserting it repelled the attack.
Residents from Sake, many already displaced, have fled, carrying essential belongings and seeking refuge. The M23 group’s control has expanded dramatically in mineral-rich eastern DRC since 2021, resulting in widespread displacement. A lull in fighting last year did not last, as violence has surged again in late October.
Accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 have been consistently made by the DRC and the UN, although Rwanda has neither confirmed nor denied these claims. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently cautioned that the conflict could escalate into a larger regional war, urging all parties to respect the sovereignty of the DRC.
The situation remains dire, with humanitarian concerns escalating as violence continues unabated. The call for international attention and a pure cessation of support to armed groups is ever more urgent.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has a long and complex history of conflict, primarily fueled by ethnic divisions, resource control, and foreign involvement. The M23 rebel group has gradually intensified its military activities since reforming in 2021, capturing critical territories and posing a significant threat to the DRC’s stability. International actors, including the United Nations, are closely monitoring the situation due to fears of a broader regional conflict, especially given the alleged involvement of Rwanda.
In summary, President Tshisekedi’s swift return from Davos underscores the gravity of the situation in the DRC, where the M23 rebels are advancing and displacing thousands. With Goma under threat, the humanitarian crisis worsens, prompting urgent international concern. The coalition of regional and global powers must work collaboratively to restore peace and stability to the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
