DRC President Urges Military Recruitment Amid Escalating Rebel Threat

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have captured territories in DRC, advancing toward Bukavu. In response, President Tshisekedi has urged youth to join the military and criticized international inaction. The conflict is aggravated by Rwanda’s alleged military support and DRC’s accusations of resource exploitation, raising tensions in the region.

Rwandan-backed rebel forces are advancing in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), having seized two districts in South Kivu province, which brings them closer to the provincial capital, Bukavu. Reports indicate that the M23 group has pushed further south without facing resistance. In response to this aggression, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi called on the youth to enlist in the army to provide a robust defense against the insurgents.

During a late-night address, President Tshisekedi condemned the international community’s lack of action regarding the escalating situation in DRC. He emphasized the need for a “vigorous and coordinated response” to counter the advancing rebels and urged young citizens to enlist en masse in the military. He expressed frustration over what he termed as a “silence and inaction” that is disheartening amidst rising violence and instability.

The recent escalation marked a significant turning point since the last major conflict period in 2012, with M23 now bolstered by approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda, as reported by UN experts. This support has prompted international scrutiny of Rwanda’s involvement and military backing of the insurgents, prompting condemnation from countries including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

In addition to military escalations, diplomatic tensions are also rising. President Tshisekedi declined to attend an emergency summit convened by the East African Community to address the conflict, where member states advocated for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to hostilities. The ongoing hostilities over resource-rich DRC, particularly in minerals such as cobalt and coltan, underscore the region’s volatility and implications for broader regional security.

Although Rwanda has refuted allegations of direct military engagement in DRC, President Kagame stated that their involvement with M23 is aimed at combating the FDLR, a group formed by those implicated in the Rwandan genocide. Accusations by Kinshasa assert that Rwanda seeks to exploit DRC’s mineral resources amid the turmoil, raising the stakes for both countries.

This article discusses the ongoing military conflict in eastern DRC involving Rwandan-backed M23 rebels who are making significant territorial gains. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of effective international intervention, prompting the DRC president to galvanize military recruitment. The regional implications of the conflict manifest in the potential destabilization of neighboring states, alongside accusations against Rwanda regarding its objectives in the conflict fueled by the region’s mineral wealth.

In summary, the ongoing military developments in eastern DRC caused by Rwandan-backed rebels signal a major escalation in a protracted conflict. President Tshisekedi has called for mass recruitment to strengthen the military’s response. The international community faces criticism for its inaction, and Rwanda’s involvement raises serious questions about regional security and the exploitation of natural resources amidst conflict.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com