Rwanda has deployed troops into the DRC to aid M23 rebels in advancing on Goma, prompting concerns ahead of a UN Security Council meeting. Skirmishes are ongoing, and the urgency to capture the city before international intervention reflects a strategic aim by the Rwandan government. Humanitarian needs escalate as conflict intensifies, raising alarm among human rights advocates and diplomatic entities.
Reports indicate a significant deployment of Rwandan troops into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to support the M23 rebel group in their advance towards the regional capital of Goma. This military maneuver occurs ahead of an impending emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, scheduled for Monday. Intelligence suggests that Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) personnel have infiltrated the eastern DRC in the guise of an offensive from the M23 militia. Senior RDF commanders are reportedly stationed in Gisenyi, closely located to the Goma border, suggesting a coordinated effort directly at the city’s outskirts.
Fierce clashes have escalated between M23 units and the Congolese military, with the violence reported near Goma, where tragically, three South African peacekeepers lost their lives. The frontline has shifted alarmingly close to the city limits, with skirmishes reported as near as Nzulo and bypassing the refugee camps that house a million displaced individuals. Despite these advances, Congolese military officials claim to have thwarted a major offensive from the M23 overnight.
The urgency to capture Goma before the UNSC meeting indicates a strategic calculation by Rwanda, aiming to secure the city under its influence prior to international diplomatic actions. Historical patterns reveal that when the M23 previously seized Goma in 2012, international pressure significantly curtailed military actions by Rwanda. Current intelligence projects that Rwanda aims to control Goma swiftly, hoping to circumvent any timely action from global powers.
There are apprehensions that the Rwandan military seeks expansion beyond Goma to the city of Bukavu, enhancing its control over the region rich in minerals. The M23 insurgency has gained momentum, escalating territorial conquests, particularly after recent victories in towns vital to Goma’s supply routes, posing a growing threat to civilians enduring shortages of food and resources.
Human Rights Watch’s Clémentine de Montjoye expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Goma, highlighting critical shortages of water and power alongside ongoing conflicts. She emphasized the necessity for all involved parties to prioritize civilian safety and allow humanitarian assistance to reach affected populations. Many analysts criticize the lack of decisive responses from Western nations regarding Rwanda, especially the close ties to President Kagame, which some believe hinder effective intervention.
In a diplomatic stance, the European Union reiterated calls for Rwanda to cease its backing of the M23 and withdraw its involvement from the DRC conflict. Meanwhile, the Rwandan government has maintained that it does not support the M23, remaining silent on allegations made against it.
The ongoing crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is marked by increased military activity from Rwanda, believed to be supporting the M23 rebel group. This rebels’ resurgence poses significant threats to the stability of Goma, a crucial city due to its strategic location and humanitarian needs. The United Nations Security Council is becoming increasingly involved as the situation escalates, calling for urgent discussions and action to address the humanitarian impact and the risks of regional destabilization.
The situation surrounding the Rwandan presence in the DRC and the advance of the M23 rebellion demands urgent international attention. With Goma’s security hanging in the balance, the risk to civilians and humanitarian conditions deteriorate daily. As the UN Security Council prepares to meet, the need for a unified global response becomes increasingly critical to avert a deeper conflict and ensure protection for vulnerable populations in the region.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
