The Rwanda-backed M23 group has vowed to march on Kinshasa after capturing Goma, leading to heightened tensions in DRC. M23 leader Corneille Nangaa emphasized the group’s commitment to their cause, while Congolese President Tshisekedi pledged to combat their advances. International calls for Rwanda to withdraw are rising as humanitarian conditions deteriorate amid ongoing conflict.
The M23, an armed group supported by Rwanda, has declared its intention to advance towards the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kinshasa, following significant territorial gains in North Kivu province. The group’s recent capture of Goma marks a substantial escalation in a region plagued by prolonged violence involving various militias. Rwanda maintains that its involvement is aimed at neutralizing factions linked to the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, despite accusations of seeking to exploit the region’s mineral wealth.
Corneille Nangaa, the leader of a coalition that includes M23, stated, “We will continue the march of liberation all the way to Kinshasa,” emphasizing their commitment to remaining in Goma until their concerns are addressed. He assured residents that efforts would be made to restore essential services and aid in the recovery of displaced individuals.
As the situation escalates, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has vowed to continue military efforts against what he termed terrorists. International agencies, including the United Nations, have expressed serious concern regarding M23’s movements towards the south of Goma. Reports indicate that Rwandan-backed fighters have captured additional territories in South Kivu province.
Various nations, including Angola, France, and the United States, have urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops from DRC territory. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot engaged national leaders to discuss the crisis. In an online meeting, Rwandan President Paul Kagame criticized Tshisekedi’s leadership, asserting the local origin of M23 fighters, declaring, “M23 are not Rwandans — they are Congolese.”
As the humanitarian situation worsens, with reports of food shortages and displaced populations reaching half a million due to recent offensives, international pressure on Rwanda is mounting. The DRC, rich in valuable minerals, has accused Rwanda of leveraging the conflict to gain economic advantage, a point backed by UN assessments of Rwandan military involvement. Yet, Rwanda continues to deny these allegations.
The conflict in Eastern DRC has its roots in historical struggles for power, control, and resources exacerbated by the 1994 Rwandan genocide and its aftermath. The M23 group, a rebel movement primarily composed of Tutsi fighters, emerged in 2012 amid accusations of Rwandan support. The DRC is home to vast mineral resources, including gold, cobalt, and coltan, which are critical to global electronics and tech industries, making the region strategically important yet continuously embroiled in conflict.
The situation in the DRC remains precarious, with M23’s advances threatening regional stability and exacerbating humanitarian crises. International calls for Rwanda’s withdrawal reflect growing concern over its influence in the DRC. As military activities intensify, the humanitarian impact on the local population is severe, leading to urgent calls for assistance and conflict resolution efforts.
Original Source: www.wfxg.com
