Escalating Violence in Goma as Rwanda and the DRC Face Off
Gunfire erupted in Goma as the DRC accused Rwanda of deploying additional troops to support M23 rebels. Kenya announced a summit between the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda amid escalating violence and international calls for peace. The DRC accused Rwanda of conducting a “declaration of war”, urging the UN for sanctions against Rwanda for its military support. Both nations have withdrawn their diplomats, signaling a significant diplomatic breakdown.
Gunfire erupted in Goma, a significant city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, on Sunday night following accusations from the DRC that neighboring Rwanda was sending additional troops to support the pro-Kigali M23 fighters in their efforts to seize control of the area. In response to escalating international pressure, Kenya announced that a summit would occur in the next two days involving the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda to discuss the ongoing crisis.
Throughout Sunday evening, explosions were reported in Goma as conflict continued on the city’s outskirts, where M23 forces fought against the Congolese army and United Nations peacekeepers. Reports suggest that while fighting decreased by midnight, questions remained regarding the extent of M23’s advance into the city. This latest conflict is one aspect of a prolonged struggle in eastern DRC, characterized by regional tensions, ethnic conflicts, and militia violence spanning over thirty years.
The DRC government has accused Rwanda of conducting a “declaration of war” by sending troops over the border and has called on the United Nations to impose sanctions against Kigali for its support of the M23. As the M23 has steadily progressed against Congolese defenses, the death toll of foreign peacekeepers from multiple nations has risen amid the clashes, prompting UN officials to call for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces—an appeal Rwanda has unequivocally rejected.
Kenyan President William Ruto announced a summit of the East African Community’s regional leaders to deliberate on the crisis that has escalated in Goma. The Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs characterized Rwanda’s military actions as “a frontal assault,” urging the UN Security Council to impose targeted sanctions on Rwandan officials. Reports have indicated that between 500 and 1,000 additional Rwandan soldiers have crossed the border, intensifying the situation.
Both DRC and Rwanda have withdrawn their diplomats from each other’s capitals, signaling a significant breakdown in relations. Tensions have worsened following the cancellation of peace talks between President Kagame and President Tshisekedi in December, allowing the M23 to gain ground toward Goma, which houses over one million residents, many of whom are displaced. The most recent summoning of the UN Security Council resulted in calls for Rwanda to cease its support of the M23 and to withdraw from the DRC.
Historically, Goma was briefly overtaken by the M23 in 2012, backed by Rwandan support, but the group was later defeated. Despite multiple ceasefires declared in previous years, the violence in the region remains unresolved, emphasizing the complexity of the situation. Recent reports confirm the deaths of thirteen peacekeeping soldiers, including ten from South Africa and three from Malawi, indicating the serious ramifications of the ongoing conflict in Goma.
The recent outbreak of violence in Goma illustrates the complex geopolitical dynamics in eastern DRC, characterized by historical grievances, armed militias, and regional rivalries. The M23, a rebel group with ties to Rwanda, has been accused of destabilizing the region. Additionally, tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have further escalated with accusations of military support and territorial violations, leading to calls for international intervention and sanctions. The DRC has long struggled with armed groups vying for control and influence, exacerbated by external interventions, particularly from Rwanda, which has been implicated in using proxy forces to access mineral resources in the area. The humanitarian impact of this conflict is profound, with hundreds of thousands displaced and security deteriorating amid ongoing fighting and loss of life among peacekeeping forces. Efforts to foster dialogue and negotiate peace between the conflicting parties have repeatedly faltered, highlighting the challenges of achieving lasting stability in this volatile region. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, recognizing the broader implications for both regional security and human rights.
The ongoing conflict in Goma, DRC, remains a significant concern as fighting intensifies between M23 rebels and Congolese forces, with Rwanda’s involvement drawing international condemnation. Despite ongoing calls for peace talks and the potential for sanctions against Rwanda, tensions persist, complicating efforts to stabilize the region. The evolving situation highlights the dire humanitarian impact as violence continues to displace communities and compromise security in eastern DRC.
Original Source: www.bryantimes.com
