Tshisekedi and Kagame meet in Tanzania as M23, backed by Rwanda, advances in eastern DRC. Tshisekedi promises military action and seeks international sanctions against Rwanda. The violence in the region is worsening, affecting local trade and driving humanitarian issues, highlighted by the loss of Goma. South Africa is criticized for its military presence in DRC amid accusations of ulterior motives.
The leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, President Felix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame, will meet in Tanzania for a summit addressing the escalating crisis in eastern DRC. Armed group M23, which is reportedly backed by Rwanda, continues to make territorial gains, having recently overtaken the city of Goma. Tshisekedi has threatened a strong military response and called on the international community to impose sanctions against Rwanda.
Tshisekedi and Kagame’s attendance at this two-day joint summit is notable as they previously missed peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. The alarming advancement of M23 forces raises concerns since their offensive comes amid a historical backdrop of violence in the region, largely driven by struggles for control over valuable mineral resources, essential for technology production.
The fall of Goma led to increased humanitarian issues, with M23 now poised to threaten the city of Bukavu in South Kivu province. Local residents like Vincent Kasali have noted disruptions to trade due to restricted navigation on Lake Kivu, hoping for restoration of normalcy for basic necessities like food supplies. An internal source mentions that Bukavu remains calm but could face reorganization and reinforcements from M23, possibly gearing up for new confrontations.
In response to the crisis, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed continued military support for the DRC despite calls to withdraw after the death of 14 South African peacekeepers this year. Rwandan spokesperson Yolande Makolo criticized South Africa’s involvement, implying that Pretoria’s motives are tied to mineral resource interests. Kagame condemned the South African troops as aggressors supporting Tshisekedi against his citizens over commercial interests.
Meanwhile, the United Nations report highlights Rwanda’s alleged military operations in DRC, particularly through M23, which Rwanda denies. Tensions also arise from accusations that DRC harbors groups linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The South African Development Community (SADC), primarily composed of South African troops, has been involved in the peacekeeping mission in the region but faces scrutiny over its effectiveness.
The United States has reduced its embassy staff in Kinshasa amid the growing instability, indicating international concerns about the situation. Evariste Ejiba, a church leader, has mobilized local voices for impending marches aimed at urging the government to take action against Rwanda and M23 unless effective sanctions are imposed within 72 hours.
This summation highlights the critical ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, has captured significant territories, including Goma. The humanitarian situation worsens with rising violence and military actions prompting international responses, with regional leaders meeting to seek solutions. Historical tensions between the DRC and Rwanda further complicate the conflict, rooted in struggles over mineral wealth and past atrocities.
The upcoming summit brings together DRC and Rwandan leaders to address a rapidly deteriorating situation in eastern DRC, exacerbated by M23’s advances. There are growing calls for international action against Rwanda and concerted efforts to stabilize the region. Local communities face disruptions from ongoing violence, with pleas for police and military efficiency becoming more urgent as humanitarian needs rise amidst the conflict.
Original Source: www.newsargus.com
