Rwanda has welcomed calls for a summit concerning the escalating conflict in the DRC, where the M23 group has gained territory. The situation has prompted regional organizations to address security concerns. Rwanda emphasizes its preference for a political solution to the conflict as discussions among neighboring countries intensify.
On Sunday, Rwanda expressed its approval of the calls for a regional summit addressing the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The M23 armed group, alleged by the UN and several countries to receive Rwandan support, has made significant advancements in eastern DRC, including its capture of the critical city of Goma, with intentions to advance towards the capital.
This conflict marks a new chapter in a long history of turmoil in this mineral-rich area, notorious for decades of violence from numerous armed factions. The situation has intensified regional concerns, prompting emergency summits among relevant regional blocs to tackle the growing tensions.
Recently, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), composed of 16 nations, proposed a summit in collaboration with the eight-member East African Community, aiming to discuss potential solutions for the deteriorating security conditions in the DRC. The Rwandan foreign ministry officially welcomed this initiative, emphasizing its ongoing support for a political resolution to the conflict.
Though Rwandan President Paul Kagame did not attend the SADC emergency session—his country is not a member of that bloc—Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi participated virtually, underscoring the need for collaborative regional efforts in addressing the crisis.
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been ongoing for many years, fuelled by a complex mix of political, social, and economic factors, with multiple armed groups vying for control over the region’s lucrative mineral resources. The M23 group, which has recently surged in both power and territorial claims, is at the center of this latest escalation. Allegations of Rwandan support for M23 have heightened tensions between the two nations and have drawn the attention of international observers and regional authorities.
Rwanda’s openness to a proposed summit on the DRC conflict signifies its commitment to addressing the ongoing strife through dialogue. The M23’s recent territorial gains heighten the urgency for regional cooperation among nations to stabilize the situation. As regional bodies convene to discuss strategies, the hope remains for a political resolution that can effectively mitigate the ongoing violence and facilitate peace in the region.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
