Congo’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa reported that over 7,000 people have died this year due to violence from Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The rebels have taken control of significant territories, triggering a response from the European Union to reconsider its agreements with Rwanda about critical raw materials. The escalating conflict poses a serious humanitarian crisis and threatens regional stability.
The escalating conflict involving Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo has resulted in the deaths of over 7,000 people this year, as reported by Congo’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa. The ongoing violence has prompted the European Union to reassess its agreements with Rwanda, especially concerning the critical raw materials trade vital for technological industries. Recent territorial gains by M23, including the capture of Goma and Bukavu, have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region, prompting urgent calls for a ceasefire.
Prime Minister Suminwa presented these alarming developments to the U.N. Human Rights Council, emphasizing the gravity of the situation as rebel forces expand their control over valuable mineral resources. The M23 group has articulated its intent to transform Congo from a failed state, framing its struggle as one for the protection of ethnic Tutsis and Rwandan-origin Congolese,
raising suspicions regarding Rwanda’s deeper motives.
The European Union, responding to these deteriorating circumstances, suspended defense consultations with Rwanda and announced a review of a memorandum intended to strengthen sustainable supply chains for critical raw materials. This review follows U.S. calls for an immediate halt to mineral sourcing from areas controlled by M23, further isolating Rwanda. Witnesses in Goma reported human rights abuses committed by M23, including killings resulting from misidentified suspects.
The humanitarian and security crisis in eastern Congo has intensified, fueled by the M23 rebellion, which has amassed significant territorial control and claimed thousands of lives. This has led to mounting international pressure on Rwanda, particularly from the EU and the U.S., questioning Rwanda’s involvement in the region. As the conflict continues, the stability of Congo and its critical resources remains precarious, necessitating immediate international attention and intervention.
Original Source: apnews.com
