Rising Tensions in Goma as Gunfire Erupts Amid Calls for Peace Talks
Gunfire erupted in Goma, DR Congo, amid escalating tensions with Rwanda accused of military support to M23 rebels. Both countries have exchanged accusations, and a summit is being arranged by Kenya to foster dialogue. The conflict has deep humanitarian implications, with casualties rising among peacekeepers, necessitating urgent international intervention.
Gunfire erupted in Goma, DR Congo, late Sunday as tensions spiked after the Democratic Republic of Congo accused Rwanda of reinforcing pro-Kigali fighters attempting to seize the city. Following international calls for peace, Kenya announced a summit of East African leaders, including DR Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, to discuss the ongoing conflict. Reports indicated that significant explosions were heard throughout Goma as clashes persisted on its outskirts between the M23 rebel group and Congolese forces.
As the conflict escalates, both nations have accused each other of aggression. DR Congo condemned Rwanda’s troop movements as a “declaration of war” and urged the UN to impose sanctions for its support of M23. The Congolese army, bolstered by UN peacekeepers, has been engaged in ongoing battles with the M23, which is believed to be receiving several thousand Rwandan soldiers’ assistance, complicating the humanitarian situation in the region.
The United Nations condemned the border incursions and called for an immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops, to which Rwanda responded by emphasizing its need for a defensive stance to protect its borders. Rwanda’s foreign ministry claimed it has been forced to maintain a heightened military posture due to ongoing violence near its territory. Despite the adversarial relations, Kenya is advocating for dialogue among the involved nations to de-escalate the situation and foster a resolution.
The standoff near Goma reflects decades of ethnic strife and armed conflict in eastern DR Congo, fueled by local and regional rivalries. The M23 has a contentious history, having previously occupied Goma in 2012. Current developments have prompted withdrawals of diplomats between the two countries and concerns regarding the humanitarian impact, particularly on civilians caught in the crossfire. Reports indicate a rising death toll among peacekeeping forces, heightening the urgency for diplomatic intervention to restore stability in the region.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has long been a hotspot for conflict, characterized by rivalries and militia clashes, often involving neighboring countries. The M23 rebel group, which has historically operated in the area, has re-emerged, heightening violence amid accusations against Rwanda for providing military support. The ongoing instability has overwhelming implications for civilians and raises international concerns for peacekeeping efforts and sovereignty in the region.
The gunfire in Goma underscores a significant escalation in hostilities linked to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. It highlights the complexities of regional tensions, especially between DR Congo and Rwanda, and emphasizes the urgent need for diplomatic resolution through proposed talks. The humanitarian implications and rising casualties among peacekeepers further demonstrate the critical need for immediate action and cooperation between the regional powers involved in this crisis.
Original Source: thesun.my
