M23 forces and Rwandan troops advanced in eastern DRC, prompting warnings from Burundi of retaliation against any aggression. The DRC government is seeking urgent regional discussions to address escalating violence. Though an initial ceasefire was agreed upon, fighting has resumed. There are ongoing humanitarian crises as displaced populations flee, while regional leaders push for negotiations to bring lasting peace.
On Wednesday, M23 fighters, alongside Rwandan troops, advanced further into eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), prompting a warning from Burundi that it would respond if attacked. The M23, regaining strength since 2021, captured two towns on the route to Bukavu, causing local officials to express concern over seeing numerous fighters moving undetected. The DRC government has called for an emergency meeting of regional organizations to discuss the escalating violence and the need for sanctions against aggressors.
Following talks in Tanzania, leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) had encouraged military leaders to establish an “unconditional” ceasefire. Although fighting paused for two days after the summit, clashes resumed near Kavumu airport. Peace negotiations held by Angola and Kenya have failed to prevent further hostilities in the valuable mineral-rich region, with tensions between Rwanda and DRC increasing as the former denies supporting M23 militarily.
Burundi, sharing borders with DRC and Rwanda, deployed around 10,000 soldiers to assist the Congolese forces against M23. Following recent conflicts, Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye expressed robust sentiments, stating, “The one that is going to attack us, we will ourselves attack,” referring to Rwanda as a “bad neighbour”. He expressed concerns about the conflict potentially spiraling into a larger regional war as it represents another chapter in the long-standing turmoil in eastern DRC.
In Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, displaced residents were ordered by M23 to leave camps, prompting families to flee towards safer areas. Some locals voiced their distress as they were compelled to abandon their makeshift shelters despite having vulnerable family members, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation. Meanwhile, Congolese religious representatives met with leaders from the River Congo Alliance, demonstrating ongoing efforts for dialogue despite the government rejecting direct negotiations with M23.
Fulgence Muteba, representing the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), emphasized the importance of peace talks, suggesting that dialogue could resolve many issues and indicating that President Felix Tshisekedi supported these initiatives. This ongoing conflict continues to threaten regional stability and complicate the humanitarian landscape as various stakeholders strive for a peaceful resolution.
The conflict involving M23 in eastern DRC has intensified, with warnings from Burundi against potential aggression from Rwanda, which has heightened regional tensions. As fighting continues, humanitarian conditions deteriorate and the need for peace talks is critical. Leaders are calling for a ceasefire and dialogue to address the violence and its impacts on civilians, while the complex dynamics between regional actors further complicate the resolution efforts.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
