The Democratic Republic of Congo urged the UN to sanction Rwanda for allegedly declaring war by sending troops to aid the M23 group advancing toward Goma. Congolese officials condemned the troop movements as a severe violation of sovereignty. The DRC has also called for targeted sanctions against Rwandan officials, amid growing international condemnation of Rwanda’s actions and calls for a ceasefire.
On Sunday, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) requested the United Nations (UN) to impose sanctions on Rwanda, claiming it has issued a “declaration of war” by sending additional troops into Congolese territory. The DRC stated that these reinforcements are collaborating with the Rwandan-affiliated M23 group, which is advancing toward Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu.
The M23 has reportedly made significant progress against Congolese forces defending Goma, exacerbating an already volatile situation in the region. The recent clashes have resulted in the deaths of several foreign peacekeepers, prompting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to urge Rwanda to withdraw its military from DRC.
During an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner condemned the Rwandan troop movements as a blatant violation of national sovereignty. She stated that the arrival of an estimated 500 to 1,000 Rwandan soldiers constitutes an aggressive act, labeling it a “frontal assault” and an open declaration of war.
In light of the escalating tensions, Kayikwamba called on the UN Security Council to enforce targeted sanctions against Rwandan officials, advocating for asset freezes and travel bans. The diplomatic relations between the DRC and Rwanda have deteriorated, with both countries withdrawing key diplomatic personnel from their respective embassies.
The M23’s offensive gained momentum following the cancellation of peace talks between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi. Reports indicated heavy detonations in Goma, where many businesses closed due to the threat of violence, and an influx of displaced persons occurred as conflict drew near.
International condemnation of Rwanda’s involvement is growing, with the African Union and the United States among those calling for an immediate ceasefire. The UN Secretary-General urged both the M23 to halt all hostile actions and Rwanda to cease its support for the group and withdraw from DRC territory.
The UN Security Council has not formally identified Rwanda as a conflict participant, despite findings suggesting Rwanda’s backing of the M23 to exploit DRC’s mineral wealth. Kayikwamba has called for a complete embargo on minerals designated as Rwandan, especially gold. Additionally, the DRC has announced the withdrawal of its diplomats from Rwanda amidst rising tensions.
The M23 had captured Goma briefly in late 2012 but withdrew after a peace agreement. While militarily defeated by DRC’s forces and the UN in 2013, the group regrouped and has since violated multiple ceasefires. Currently, the eastern DRC remains plagued by violence from various armed factions, resulting in numerous fatalities, including 13 peacekeepers in recent days, as the UN begins evacuating non-essential staff from Goma.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced ongoing conflict in its eastern regions, primarily fueled by armed groups like the M23, which receive external support. Tensions have escalated between the DRC and Rwanda, particularly following Rwanda’s military involvement that has complicated peace processes. International calls for accountability have intensified as the humanitarian situation worsens, with large numbers of displaced persons and casualties among peacekeepers. The DRC seeks to leverage UN intervention to stabilize its sovereignty and maintain peace in the volatile area.
The DRC’s appeals to the UN and its accusations against Rwanda underscore the fragile security situation in eastern Congo, where armed conflicts have persisted for decades. The international community’s response to Rwanda’s military actions and the fate of mineral resources in the region are critical factors in determining the stability of the DRC and its ability to protect its sovereignty. With rising tensions and calls for sanctions, the situation remains precarious and requires urgent diplomatic attention.
Original Source: www.dailygazette.com
