President Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo has halted his trip to Davos amid escalating violence from the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, which have led to the displacement of over 400,000 individuals. Key towns have fallen to rebel control, intensifying concerns over the strategic city of Goma. The situation demands urgent intervention to prevent broader regional conflict.
In response to escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), President Felix Tshisekedi has truncated his participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The resurgence of fighting has intensified in the eastern region, particularly with the M23 rebels currently supported by Rwanda, capturing significant territory and threatening the provincial capital of Goma. The United Nations reports that over 400,000 individuals have been displaced since the beginning of the year due to these hostilities.
As M23 forces have taken towns such as Masisi and Minova in North Kivu, Tshisekedi returned to engage in urgent security discussions with top officials. Should Goma, a populous city near the Rwandan border, fall to the rebels, it would represent a considerable strategic victory, reminiscent of their brief occupation in 2012.
Recently, the M23 faction seized the town of Sake, sparking fears as it lies just 20 kilometers from Goma. While the Congolese army reportedly repelled the attack on this location, many inhabitants—most of whom were already internally displaced—have fled, carrying their belongings and seeking refuge.
The M23 has been expanding its influence across resource-rich eastern DR Congo since 2021, resulting in massive displacements. While fighting subsided temporarily last July, it reignited in October, prompting ongoing tensions. The DR Congo government, supported by the United Nations, alleges that M23 activities are underpinned by Rwandan support, a claim the Rwandan government has neither confirmed nor denied.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has endured prolonged conflict, particularly in its eastern regions fueled by resource-rich territories. The M23 rebels have benefitted from external backing, causing significant humanitarian crises with hundreds of thousands displaced. International attention, including from the United Nations, has increasingly focused on the potential for this local conflict to escalate into a larger regional war, particularly given the geopolitical implications surrounding Rwandan involvement.
In conclusion, President Tshisekedi’s abrupt departure from Davos underscores the urgency of the escalating violence in DR Congo. With M23 rebels advancing dangerously close to Goma, the humanitarian toll continues to rise. The international community remains vigilant as calls are made for respect of Congolese sovereignty and an end to external support for armed factions, emphasizing the need for stability in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
