A meeting between Congo’s Catholic Church and rebel leader Corneille Nangaa in Goma raises concerns for the government. Following M23’s capture of Goma, they threaten to advance toward Bukavu. Church representatives seek to foster dialogue, but tensions are heightened as Rwandan troops reportedly support M23 amid an evolving crisis that has displaced over one million people since early 2022.
Representatives from the influential Catholic Church in Congo convened with rebel leader Corneille Nangaa on Wednesday in Goma, igniting potential tensions with the Kinshasa government. This meeting follows the recent seizure of Goma by Nangaa’s Rwandan-backed M23 forces, who now threaten to advance toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. As Nangaa positions himself against President Felix Tshisekedi, his Alliance Fleuve Congo collaborates with M23, complicating the political landscape.
The discussions aimed to gather opinions from various stakeholders in order to create an inclusive dialogue framework, according to an unnamed church official. The office of President Tshisekedi acknowledged the Catholic Church’s initiative, stating their willingness to engage, as long as it remains comprehensive. Tensions in the region remain high due to M23’s fluctuating military strategy and the looming possibility of further conflict involving regional forces.
Violence erupted around Ihusi, a town situated between Goma and Bukavu, with reports of skirmishes on Wednesday. Bukavu and its critical airport in Kavumu remain under the control of Congolese military forces, supported by local militias and troops from Burundi. Information from various sources indicates that both M23 and Rwandan personnel are massing near the South Kivu border, heightening fears of broader military confrontation.
The conflict in eastern Congo has escalated since early 2022, resulting in thousands of fatalities and the displacement of over one million individuals. While the U.N. reported a return to tentative calm in Goma, with displaced persons gradually leaving camps, conditions remain precarious. M23 has indicated plans for the voluntary vacation of displacement camps, intending to showcase their governance capabilities amid the ongoing turmoil.
The meeting between Congo’s Catholic Church representatives and rebel leader Corneille Nangaa reflects heightened political tensions within the region as M23 asserts its influence following the capture of Goma. The engagement aims to foster dialogue amidst fears of escalating conflict, particularly around Bukavu. The situation remains sensitive as the presence of Rwandan troops further complicates the scenario, continuing a cycle of violence and displacement that has afflicted eastern Congo since early 2022.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
