Tensions in Goma, DRC remain high as M23 rebels assert control amid accusations against Rwanda for support. Congolese authorities express intentions to reclaim the city while diplomatic talks continue. Uganda enhances border defenses due to the crisis affecting regional stability and security.
In Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a tense yet fragile calm persists amid ongoing hostilities with M23 rebels claiming control of the city. Although residents reported no significant clashes, the Congolese government remains determined to reclaim Goma, which is home to approximately three million locals and is situated near the Rwandan border, where accusations of support to the rebels have been made against Kigali.
Congolese Minister Julien Paluku Kahongya criticized Rwanda for allegedly exploiting Congolese mineral resources and accused its military of various aggressive acts, including shooting down UN helicopters and disrupting essential services in Goma. He questioned the international community’s response to these provocations by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, emphasizing the detrimental impact on peace efforts in the region.
At a press conference, M23 Political Chief Corneille Nangaa expressed readiness for negotiations with Kinshasa, although the government swiftly dismissed this proposition. The situation remains critical, especially after violent encounters led to the loss of over 100 lives, including 17 peacekeepers, while many have fled the ongoing conflicts to seek refuge in Rwanda.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot’s recent visit to Rwanda included discussions with President Kagame, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring peace strategies for the region. This visit followed a protest in Kinshasa where demonstrators targeted foreign embassies in response to the M23 offensive, highlighting the rising tensions in the capital as well.
In response to the escalating violence, the Ugandan military announced it would adopt a forward defensive approach to safeguard its interests along the border and deter other armed groups taking advantage of the instability in the eastern DRC. The military remains vigilant until the ongoing crisis subsides, underlining the precariousness of the situation and its implications for regional security.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been a hotspot of conflict for decades, often driven by the region’s wealth in natural resources. The resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which emerged after a period of relative calm, has reignited hostilities in North Kivu province. Tensions have further escalated amid allegations of Rwandan support for the M23, complicating diplomatic relations within the region and raising concerns regarding humanitarian crises resulting from the ongoing violence.
The situation in Goma is marked by a precarious calm against the backdrop of conflict and territorial disputes involving the M23 rebel group. Accusations against Rwanda regarding mineral exploitation and military intervention add to the complexity of the crisis. Diplomatic efforts, including ongoing discussions between France and Rwanda, illustrate the international dimension of the conflict while locals continue to face dire consequences of the violence.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
