Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame supports a ceasefire in eastern Congo but resists calls for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Goma amid escalating conflict. The M23 rebel group has overtaken the city, leading to significant civilian casualties and displacements. The U.S. urges the UN to intervene and address the situation, which is rooted in historical tensions linked to the Rwandan genocide and control over mineral resources.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame acknowledged the necessity for a ceasefire in eastern Congo, aligning with the United States. However, he did not indicate that Rwandan troops or the M23 rebels they support would withdraw from Goma, the largest city in Congo’s east, which has recently experienced its worst escalation of conflict in over a decade. The M23 rebels captured Goma, prompting overwhelming casualties and an influx of injured individuals into hospitals.
In response to the situation, the U.S. urged the United Nations Security Council to consider measures to stop the ongoing rebel offensive, which has displaced tens of thousands of Congolese residents. In Goma, the city reported looting and sporadic gunfire, but remained largely calm after several days of intense clashes.
President Kagame shared that he had a constructive conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the need to ensure a ceasefire in Eastern DRC and to address the underlying issues contributing to the conflict. The Secretary expressed deep concern over the escalating violence rooted in the historical context of the Rwandan genocide and the quest over Congo’s rich mineral resources.
There are allegations that Rwandan troops are supporting the M23 rebels in Goma, a claim Rwanda denies while asserting its right to defend against threats from Congolese militias. Recent exchanges of fire occurred between the Congolese and Rwandan armies across their shared border, coinciding with the M23’s attempt to secure control over Goma for the second time in recent years.
Locals reported that the situation in Goma remains tense, with scattered explosions and gunfire in the outskirts. Following the takeover of the city center by the M23, many businesses have been looted, and essential services such as air travel, internet connectivity, electricity, and water supply have been interrupted.
The M23 rebels are the latest in a series of insurgencies led by ethnic Tutsis, backed by Rwanda, since the 1990s. These conflicts can be traced back to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, which saw widespread killings and displacement. Although Rwanda claims to be protecting Congolese Tutsis from militia threats, the Congolese government accuses Rwanda of exploiting the situation to gain control over valuable mineral resources.
Tension escalated further in Kinshasa, as protesters attacked U.N. facilities and foreign embassies. The demonstrations were fueled by public outrage over the perceived foreign interference in the ongoing conflict.
The conflict in eastern Congo has persisted for decades, deeply intertwined with the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide that occurred in 1994. The M23 rebel group, composed mainly of Tutsi fighters, has frequently engaged in violent confrontations against the Congolese government, often receiving support from Rwanda. This situation exacerbates the longstanding tensions between the two countries, complicating the humanitarian crisis in the region. As numerous foreign and local militias vie for control over rich mineral deposits, such as coltan, the region remains plagued by violence and instability. Rwanda, citing self-defense against hostile militias, has been accused of exacerbating the situation by supporting rebel factions in Congo. Efforts by the United States and the United Nations to mediate the conflict highlight the international community’s concern for stability and humanitarian welfare throughout the region.
In summary, President Kagame’s acknowledgment of needing a ceasefire in eastern Congo reflects a complex and evolving conflict involving regional power struggles, deeply rooted historical tensions, and the humanitarian impact of military actions. While the M23 rebels continue to exert control over Goma, the international community is advocating for resolution and stability in this beleaguered region. The intricate relationship between Rwanda and the DRC remains a pivotal factor in the ongoing crisis.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
