M23 Rebels Intensify Control in Eastern Congo Amid Calls for Ceasefire

M23 rebels have expanded their control in eastern Congo, capturing Goma and its airport, leading to significant civilian displacement. Rwandan President Kagame has called for a ceasefire, highlighting the need to address underlying causes of conflict. Despite claims of no military support, Rwanda faces scrutiny regarding its involvement with M23, complicating peace negotiations in the region.

M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have seized large territories in eastern Congo, including the strategic city of Goma and its airport. This escalation has provoked a humanitarian crisis, leading to increased chaos as thousands of residents have been displaced. While some areas of Goma remain under government control, reports indicate that the rebels now dominate much of the city, exacerbating the conflict involving various armed groups in the resource-rich region.

In a recent statement, Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed the necessity for a ceasefire and discussed the underlying issues contributing to the ongoing violence in a conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Although Rwanda refutes allegations of military support for M23, there are claims from U.N. experts regarding the presence of Rwandan forces in Congo. Meanwhile, the Rwandan government blames the Congolese administration for aligning with Hutu factions responsible for the 1994 genocide,

The M23 group, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, aspires to establish governance in Goma to facilitate a semblance of normalcy for the populace and to support the return of displaced citizens. Concerns arise about the complexities of negotiating the withdrawal of M23, a challenge that may surpass the situation from 2012 when they temporarily occupied Goma before retreating. Experts suggest that Rwanda’s involvement adds to the armed group’s confidence, indicating a contentious backdrop to potential peace negotiations.

The M23 conflict in eastern Congo is rooted in longstanding ethnic tensions and struggles for power and resources, particularly mineral wealth, in the region. The M23 rebel group has emerged from previous conflicts and has a complex relationship with neighboring Rwanda, which has been implicated in influencing the group’s operations. The capture of Goma represents a significant escalation in the civil strife that has plagued the Democratic Republic of the Congo for decades and poses severe humanitarian risks, highlighting the need for international intervention and dialogue.

The recent advances by M23 rebels in eastern Congo underscore the ongoing volatility in the region, as armed groups vie for control over strategic areas, notably Goma. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen due to the conflict, prompting calls for ceasefire and dialogue from regional leaders. Securing a lasting resolution may prove challenging, given the intertwined interests of rebel groups and foreign powers in the conflict.

Original Source: apnews.com