The Security Council is addressing the escalating conflict in the DRC as the M23 rebel group asserts control over Goma, leading to protests and diplomatic activity. Humanitarian conditions are dire, with many civilians fleeing due to ongoing violence. Commands for halting hostilities and facilitating aid access are paramount as international mediating efforts intensify to de-escalate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.
On January 28, the Security Council convened its second emergency meeting of the week concerning the urgent security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This meeting was initiated after Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, urged Council members to address the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The Deputy Special Representative of MONUSCO, Vivian van de Perre, is expected to provide an update on the situation.
The M23 rebel group has declared its intention to seize Goma following a deadline given to the Congolese Armed Forces to surrender. Reports indicate M23 forces have begun entering the city and have made claims of its capture, although ongoing clashes were reported. Following the consolidation of M23 control, unrest has erupted in Kinshasa, resulting in protests and attacks on multiple foreign embassies.
During a press briefing, officials noted a severe humanitarian crisis looms as fighting escalates. Goma continues to host numerous internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom are being forced to flee. Essential services have been severely disrupted, and access to Goma’s airport and border crossings with Rwanda has been halted, further aggravating the emergency situation.
Lemarquis emphasized the need for all involved parties to agree on humanitarian pauses and establish routes for aid to resume efficiently to protect civilians. The Security Council earlier held an emergency session where a press statement condemned the offensive by M23 and demanded an end to their advances and external military involvement in the DRC.
In response to the Council’s actions, Wagner expressed dissatisfaction with the vague statements and called for more definitive actions against Rwanda, implicating its involvement in supporting M23. Conversely, Rwanda’s officials have blamed the FARDC for the escalation of hostilities and have stressed the importance of mediating efforts through regional dialogue processes.
As diplomatic efforts continue, leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto, are seeking to foster discussions between the DRC and Rwanda. Back meetings and summits are being organized by the EAC to promote dialogue within the region as tensions rise. The Security Council may advocate for the cessation of hostilities and reopening of transport routes to enable humanitarian access in the region.
The current turmoil in the DRC significantly involves the M23 rebel group, whose resurgence and military actions in recent weeks have heightened tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. Historical grievances and accusations of foreign interference have complicated the crisis, leading to international calls for intervention and mediation. The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC has reached critical levels, necessitating urgent action to provide aid and protect civilians caught in the conflict. Efforts to address the situation have been made through various regional processes, such as the Luanda and Nairobi initiatives, which aim to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation among conflicting parties. The involvement of the Security Council highlights the gravity of the situation, as well as the international community’s desire to restore stability and security in the region. These series of events have spurred increased diplomatic engagements aiming to diffuse tensions and ensure humanitarian access to affected populations in the DRC.
The security situation in the DRC, particularly in Goma, remains precarious as the M23 rebel group escalates its activities despite condemnation from the Security Council. Urgent calls for humanitarian pauses and reopening of transport channels are crucial, with increasing demands for Rwanda to withdraw its support for M23. Continued diplomatic efforts and regional initiatives may offer a pathway toward addressing the multifaceted crisis plaguing the DRC, ultimately garnering international commitment to peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
