In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Congo has ended diplomatic relations with Rwanda following aggressive advances by rebels around the critical eastern city of Goma. This development has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands and leaving at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers dead.
The M23 rebel group, previously affiliated with the Congolese army, has captured significant strategic territories near the Rwanda border in recent weeks. Their recent push toward Goma, with a population exceeding 2 million, has raised international alarms due to its importance as a security and humanitarian hub. Accusations abound, with Congo, the U.S., and U.N. experts alleging that Rwanda is supporting the M23, a group predominantly composed of ethnic Tutsis. Rwanda, in contrast, denies backing the rebels but has acknowledged deploying troops to eastern Congo, citing security concerns over a buildup of Congolese forces near its border. An estimated 4,000 Rwandan forces are believed to be operating in the region.
The decision by Congo's Foreign Ministry to pull all diplomatic staff from Rwanda marks a significant downturn in bilateral relationships. The U.N. Security Council has called an emergency session to deliberate on the escalating violence.
Sunday morning in Goma was marked by intense gunfire as lines of displaced families moved from outlying camps towards the city center for safety. The rebellion's frontline now lies just a few kilometers from the city, which has already seen the nearby town of Sake, 27 kilometers away, fall into rebel hands earlier in the week. Concerns continue to rise that Goma itself may soon be under rebel control.
Congo's military, bolstered by U.N. troops and forces from the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC), managed to stave off an M23 attack on Saturday. However, the cost in human life has been high. Tragic incidents have included the deaths of two South African peacekeepers and a Uruguayan soldier. This adds to the loss of seven South African soldiers and three Malawian peacekeepers who died during recent engagements.
The M23 has been a constant presence destabilizing the mineral-rich eastern Congo since its members split from the national army over a decade ago. They are one of many armed factions vying for control in a region plagued by long-standing tensions and rivalries, creating one of the world's most severe ongoing humanitarian emergencies.
Since 2021, Congo, backed by U.N. and regional allied forces, has maintained efforts to contain the M23 and prevent their reach into Goma. The United Nations peacekeeping mission, known as MONUSCO, has played a critical role with its deployment of approximately 14,000 peacekeepers, extending its presence in Congo for over two decades. The current resurgence of violence further highlights the persistent challenges in achieving peace and stability in the region.
