The Foreign Minister of the DRC, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, urged the UN Security Council for robust action against the M23 rebels, who have taken control of Goma. Her appeals include the withdrawal of foreign fighters, sanctions against Rwanda, and an embargo on illegal mineral exports. This follows a significant humanitarian crisis with thousands fleeing toward Rwanda.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner recently urged the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action as M23 rebels solidify their grip on the city of Goma. Thousands of residents have fled towards the Rwandan border amid this intensifying conflict, which has struggled for resolution over decades. Wagner emphasized that merely condemning the violence is insufficient, calling instead for actionable measures to address the crisis.
Wagner called for the withdrawal of all foreign irregular fighters from Congolese territory, asserting that a peaceful resolution is unattainable without this essential step. She proposed sanctions against the command structure of the Rwandan Defence Forces as a means to weaken their military capabilities against the DRC. Additionally, she suggested an embargo on Rwanda’s unlawful extraction and exportation of the DRC’s mineral resources, aiming to disrupt the financial support for the ongoing aggression.
As the situation unfolded, the United States echoed Wagner’s plea, advocating for the Security Council to impose measures to stop the advance of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed agreement with the U.S. on the need for a ceasefire and action to address the structural roots of the conflict. Meanwhile, M23 rebels declared their establishment of a local administration in Goma, asserting that this move would facilitate the return of displaced citizens to their homes.
The humanitarian situation in Goma remains dire, with millions displaced and thousands trapped without access to essential resources such as food, water, and electricity. As Foreign Minister Wagner succinctly stated, “Enough is enough.” The ongoing presence of approximately 100 armed groups in the North Kivu province, a region rife with mineral wealth crucial for global technology, further complicates the landscape of this protracted conflict.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been grappling with civil unrest and conflict for decades, primarily driven by competition for valuable mineral resources. The M23 rebel group, composed chiefly of ethnic Tutsis, emerged amidst longstanding tensions with the Rwandan government, which has been accused of backing these rebels. The recent takeover of Goma, an economically vital city, underscores the urgency of international intervention to mitigate human suffering and restore stability.
The situation in Goma illustrates the critical need for immediate international intervention to address the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis fueled by the M23 rebels and Rwandan involvement. Calls from DRC officials for sanctions and withdrawals highlight the multifaceted nature of the conflict, while ongoing displacement and resource exploitation exacerbate the effects on civilian lives. It is imperative for the global community to respond constructively to halt this cycle of violence.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
