Rwandan President Kagame and Congolese President Tshisekedi will meet in Tanzania to address the conflict in eastern DRC, where the M23 armed group has rapidly gained territory. This invasion has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with thousands dead and displaced. Previous peace negotiations have failed, leading to fears of regional conflict as the M23 threatens key towns and infrastructure.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame is set to meet with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as regional leaders gather to address the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The M23 armed group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has rapidly captured territory in this mineral-rich region, resulting in significant casualties and widespread displacement. The group recently took control of Goma and is advancing further into South Kivu province, exacerbating the turmoil that has afflicted the region for decades.
The two leaders will participate in a joint summit with representatives from the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community. This meeting aims to facilitate a resolution to the conflict, particularly as past peace negotiations hosted by Angola and Kenya since M23’s resurgence in 2021 have been unsuccessful. While Rwanda denies military affiliation with the M23, a UN report indicated the presence of approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops in the DRC, reportedly profiting from natural resource smuggling.
Compounding tensions, the M23 has started its advance on Kavumu, a key town that is crucial for supporting Congolese armed forces. Residents in nearby Bukavu expressed panic as stores shut down and families prepared for possible violence. The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Turk, has indicated that nearly 3,000 people have died since the M23 entered Goma, with possible underreported cases of violence against civilians.
The M23 has begun to govern in Goma, installing local authorities and declaring intentions to reach Kinshasa, the national capital. This ambition raises fears of an expanded regional conflict, as several countries, including South Africa, are already providing military support to the DRC. In preparation for the summit, regional foreign ministers convened, aiming to unite earlier peace initiatives into a comprehensive strategy.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC involves complex dynamics, including historical grievances and regional rivalries. The M23 armed group emerged from earlier conflicts and has been implicated in violence against civilians and territorial disputes. Rwanda’s involvement in supporting the M23 is intertwined with its accusations against the DRC for harboring anti-Rwandan groups, complicating peace efforts in the region. This context of instability affects not only the DRC but also neighboring countries, fostering fears of broader regional conflict and humanitarian crises.
The meeting between Rwandan and Congolese leaders signals critical efforts to address the escalating violence in the eastern DRC due to the M23 group’s advances. While past peace efforts have faltered, the regional summit presents a renewed opportunity to formulate strategies that may stabilize the area. The humanitarian toll of this conflict underscores the urgent need for coordinated intervention and sustainable solutions to prevent further chaos and loss of life.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
