Congo’s Catholic Church met with rebel leader Corneille Nangaa in Goma amid escalating tensions following the M23 capture of the city. The discussion aimed to consolidate opinions for an inclusive dialogue, while fears persist regarding further conflict. M23 threatens to advance towards Bukavu, with Rwanda accused of supporting the rebels, raising concerns over a wider regional confrontation amidst ongoing violence and instability.
A delegation from Congo’s influential Catholic Church convened on Wednesday in Goma with rebel leader Corneille Nangaa, whose M23 forces, backed by Rwanda, recently captured the significant eastern city of Goma. This engagement may provoke tensions with the Congolese government led by President Felix Tshisekedi, as Nangaa aims to position himself as a representative for the opposition political factions and rebel groups.
The M23, functioning essentially as the military branch of Nangaa’s political coalition, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), has held dominance over Goma since late January. On Tuesday, M23 threatened to escalate its offensive towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Details regarding the meeting were not immediately disclosed, but it was intended to gather various stakeholders’ opinions to facilitate a broad consensus for dialogue.
President Tshisekedi’s office communicated on social media platform X that he had engaged with various religious leaders and remained open to the Catholic Church’s initiatives, contingent upon their inclusivity. The conflict’s continuation and the M23’s fluctuating movements raise apprehensions of a wider confrontation involving regional military forces, reminiscent of earlier conflicts between 1996 and 2003.
Clashes were reported on Wednesday near the town of Ihusi, indicating ongoing violence as M23 consolidates its position. Bukavu and the critical town of Kavumu, home to the regional airport, currently remain under Congolese military control, which is bolstered by supporting militia and Burundian troops. Reports suggest that M23 and Rwandan troops have been gathering near South Kivu’s border.
Allegations against Rwanda from Congo, the United Nations, and Western nations cite its backing of the M23 rebel group with troops and weaponry. Rwanda has refrained from confirming or denying its military involvement, claiming its actions are purely self-defense. The resurgence of conflict in Eastern Congo has resulted in widespread casualties, with thousands killed since early 2022 and over one million people displaced.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the United Nations noted a return to tentative calm in Goma, with daily life gradually resuming and displaced individuals departing from temporary camps. M23 forces have recently expressed a desire for displaced persons to vacate these camps within 72 hours, subsequently clarifying that relocations should be voluntary.
The meeting between the Catholic Church delegation and M23 leader Corneille Nangaa in Goma marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. This represents an attempt by Nangaa and his coalition to assert political influence and engage in dialog with various stakeholders. The potential implications of this meeting could intensify tensions with President Tshisekedi’s administration amid fears of broader regional conflict. As the situation evolves, M23’s political and military objectives remain pivotal in shaping the future landscape of the region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
