Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have advanced into eastern DRC, prompting President Félix Tshisekedi to call for military enlistments. The capture of Goma marks a significant escalation in conflict. International concerns about Rwanda’s involvement in the chaos are growing, as Tshisekedi urges unity against the rebels.
As Rwandan-backed rebels advance in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), local sources report their capture of two districts in South Kivu province without any resistance. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has called upon the youth to join the military in a united front against the advancing M23 group, emphasizing the need for a reinvigorated response to safeguard provincial capital Bukavu and surrounding areas.
The conflict escalated significantly when rebel fighters along with Rwandan soldiers took control of Goma, North Kivu’s capital, marking the most severe upsurge since 2012. Tshisekedi has expressed concern over the security situation and criticized international inaction, urging immediate military enlistment from the populace to confront the threat posed by the rebels and their sponsors.
UN experts indicate that the M23 militants are supported by approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda, a stark increase compared to the 2012 conflict. Despite rising international scrutiny, including reactive measures from countries like the United States and Germany, Rwandan representatives maintain that their involvement is limited to countering threats, particularly from the DRC-based FDLR group.
In the wake of the surge in hostilities, Tshisekedi declined to participate in an East African Community emergency summit that aimed to address the conflict. This decision came amidst calls for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution between DRC officials and armed groups at the meeting, which included regional leaders including President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
The DRC, rich in valuable minerals such as gold and cobalt, is facing grave security challenges, with accusations that Rwanda is exploiting the unrest to seize control of its resources. Rwanda has consistently dismissed these claims, framing its military engagement as a strategic necessity to deal with historical grievances and threats originating from within DRC’s borders.
The ongoing tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are deeply rooted in historical conflicts, particularly relating to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide and the ongoing struggle for control over vast mineral resources. The M23 rebel group has been a longstanding source of instability in the region, and its recent resurgence, backed by Rwandan military support, complicates an already volatile situation. International responses to the conflict have varied, with calls for restraint and dialogue often hindered by the complexities of regional politics. The involvement of neighboring Rwanda highlights ongoing allegations of resource-driven motives behind military interventions within DRC, further complicating efforts toward lasting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
In summary, the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains critical as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels advance, posing significant threats to regional stability. President Tshisekedi’s call for military enlistments underscores the urgency for a coordinated defense amidst international pressures on Rwanda regarding its military involvement. The cycle of conflict driven by competition over mineral wealth, historical grievances, and neglected international responses continues to plague the region, necessitating unified efforts for resolution.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
