The DRC’s Foreign Minister accused Rwanda of illegal occupation due to M23’s capture of Goma, alleging attempts at regime change. Rwanda denied these claims, stating their troops aim to prevent conflict. The situation has left many Congolese displaced, raising fears of violence and humanitarian crises, prompting international calls for a ceasefire.
On January 31, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, accused Rwanda of illegally occupying parts of Congolese territory amidst the ongoing conflict involving the M23 rebel group, which has recently captured Goma, the eastern city of the DRC. Minister Wagner expressed her concerns to the BBC, suggesting that Rwanda aimed to facilitate a regime change in the DRC, especially since international leaders have not held Rwandan President Paul Kagame accountable for alleged violations of international law.
The M23 group’s activities have been concentrated in South Kivu province, a region bordering Rwanda and Burundi. In response to the accusations, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo firmly denied any connection to the M23, asserting that Rwandan troops were deployed solely to prevent conflict escalation, stating, “We’re not interested in war, we’re not interested in annexation, we’re not interested in regime change.”
The capture of Goma by M23 fighters has incited fears among approximately 2 million residents, many of whom are now at risk of violence and starvation due to disrupted water and electricity services. As of last week, around 178,000 Congolese had been displaced due to the confrontations. Congolese authorities accuse M23 of exploiting the region’s rich mineral resources, an assertion echoed by United Nations reports.
Recently, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concerns regarding M23’s advances, which he believes increase the chances of regional conflict. He urged the rebel group to immediately halt its offensive and withdraw from occupied territories, holding them accountable for their actions. The United States has also echoed these calls for a ceasefire, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeling the situation as “deeply troubling.”
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened for an emergency meeting in Zimbabwe to address the escalating security crisis in eastern DRC. SADC peacekeeping forces have faced casualties, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa noting the loss of 13 South African soldiers, attributing the violence to both M23 and Rwandan forces. Other SADC troops from Malawi and Tanzania have also suffered losses in their peacekeeping mission.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been grappling with ongoing conflict driven by various armed groups, particularly in the eastern regions. M23, a rebel group, has gained notoriety for its resurgence and territorial acquisitions, especially in mineral-rich areas such as Goma and South Kivu. Rwanda has consistently been accused of backing M23, which has exacerbated regional tensions and prompted international scrutiny and interventions aimed at achieving stability in the area.
In summary, the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is intensifying, with M23’s occupation of Goma prompting serious accusations against Rwanda. While Rwanda denies involvement, the situation continues to affect thousands of Congolese citizens who face displacement and humanitarian crises. UN and international actors are calling for immediate ceasefire and dialogue to prevent further escalation into regional conflict.
Original Source: www.upi.com
