DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has vowed a strong military response against Rwandan-backed M23 fighters who have taken control of Goma. His remarks criticize the international community’s inaction amid escalating violence in eastern DRC. Regional leaders are urging diplomatic resolutions, while casualties among peacekeepers have raised alarms over stability in the region.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has pledged a strong military response to combat Rwandan-backed fighters who have intensified their offensive in the eastern region, particularly around Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The M23 group’s recent advances represent a significant escalation in a protracted conflict marked by decades of violence and instability in the area.
Tshisekedi’s comments came following the capture of much of Goma by M23 rebels, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He criticized the international community for its inaction and silence during this critical time, referring to it as an affront to those affected by the escalating violence, which threatens to destabilize the entire Great Lakes region.
In his remarks delivered in a late-night address, Tshisekedi emphasized that a coordinated military effort against what he termed “terrorists” and their backers is currently being organized. This insistence on robust action underscores the DRC’s determination to safeguard its territorial integrity amid increasing challenges from various armed groups.
Regional leaders have expressed concern over the developments, with the East African Community calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. President Kagame of Rwanda indicated that his country is unable to act as a mediator, pointing to the complex nature of the situation. The international community, including the United Nations and several global powers, has also urged an end to hostilities, recognizing the need for an urgent diplomatic resolution.
As the crisis escalates, there are reports of casualties, with thirteen South African soldiers recently killed while participating in peacekeeping missions within the DRC. The Southern African Development Community plans to convene a special summit to address the unfolding crisis. Moreover, Angola has offered its capital as a potential site for urgent talks between the DRC and Rwandan leaders to seek a resolution.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, particularly in its eastern regions rich in natural resources. Grounded in complex political dynamics and ethnic tensions, the M23 militia emerged as a significant player in this violence during the last decade, fueled by external support, including alleged backing from Rwanda. The DRC government has repeatedly sought international assistance in addressing these challenges, which have often been met with insufficient global engagement. The current situation reflects a deeper historical struggle for control over the region’s vast mineral wealth and the political implications that arise from it, drawing in various armed groups and neighboring countries.
In summary, the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, marked by the recent advances of Rwandan-backed M23 fighters, has prompted President Tshisekedi to declare a vigorous response. His criticism of the international community’s inaction underscores the seriousness of the situation, which threatens broader regional stability. The upcoming regional summits and calls for diplomatic engagement signal the urgency of resolving this complex crisis as casualties mount and tensions rise among neighboring nations.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
