Countries bordering the eastern DRC, notably Burundi and Uganda, are acting to strengthen defenses amid escalating violence due to the M23 group’s advances. Concerns are growing about a possible repetition of the deadly Congo wars from the 1990s. Military actions have led to troop withdrawals from Burundi and heightened tensions regarding regional security.
Countries adjacent to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) mobilized defenses in response to escalating violence, resulting in Burundi retreating its troops and Uganda seizing a strategic city. Concerns mount that the unraveling security situation might mirror the devastating Congo wars of the 1990s and 2000s, which claimed millions of lives and involved numerous nations.
The violence has intensified following the rapid advances of the M23 armed group, reportedly supported by Rwanda, into the eastern DRC, capturing crucial cities including Goma and Bukavu. Burundi’s army faced fierce confrontations leading to a tactical withdrawal across the border, as Burundian troops sought to halt the southward push from the M23 and Rwandan personnel.
While Burundi’s army spokesperson refuted claims of retreat, indicating that operations continued vigorously, anonymous sources revealed the withdrawal of soldiers from key positions in Luvungi and Sange. Reports noted their deteriorated conditions upon retreat, facing hunger and shortage of ammunition due to stalled resupply efforts.
As M23 solidifies its control, violence has erupted resulting in thousands of fatalities and displacing numerous civilians. On Tuesday, the United Nations reported that the M23 had executed children in Bukavu and that minors were engaged with weapons during the hostilities. The situation has drawn criticism from the UK, which summoned Rwanda’s envoy to address concerns regarding its involvement.
Rwanda, though denying direct military actions, has faced allegations of maintaining approximately 4,000 troops aligned with the M23, providing them control over extensive resources. The capture of Goma and Bukavu granted the M23 total dominance over Lake Kivu, providing locals some relief with the resumption of boat services.
Concurrently, Uganda deployed troops into Bunia, the Ituri province capital, to combat local militias contributing to violence. Tagged as a consequence of regional instability, Uganda’s involvement stems from a historical agreement with Kinshasa and recent local massacres. While this move differs from Burundian and M23 conflicts, analysts note that Uganda is cautious of potential spillover effects into its own territory.
The latest events raise concerns of a repetition of the 1998 scenario when Uganda and Rwanda supported rebel factions in the DRC, subsequently igniting the Second Congo War—a conflict that resulted in significant casualties and the term “Africa’s World War.”
The ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has prompted border nations Burundi and Uganda to reinforce their military positions. Despite Burundi’s claims of operational continuity, reports indicate troop withdrawals, exacerbating concerns regarding the M23’s advancement. The ramifications may echo past conflicts involving multiple nations, raising alarm over a potential regional crisis reminiscent of the devastating Congo wars. Close scrutiny of foreign involvement and regional military maneuvers will be critical as the situation unfolds.
Original Source: www.blackbeltnewsnetwork.com
