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KINSHASA – French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has made his way to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the situation in the eastern part of the country escalates. This is occurring amidst the advancing presence of M23 rebels, who are reportedly backed by Rwanda and have gained control over Goma.
According to Giscard Kusema, deputy director of press for President Felix Tshisekedi, Barrot’s visit is significant, as he is scheduled to meet with the president shortly. This diplomatic engagement comes at a critical time, given the recent surge of violence in the region.
A French diplomatic source confirmed that Minister Barrot’s arrival coincides with notable developments; the M23 group has not only captured Goma but is also expanding their territorial claims further south. This marks a troubling increase in tensions that hark back to conflicts dating back to 2012.
In light of these events, France’s foreign ministry opted to refrain from making public statements regarding the situation. However, authorities and international observers are closely monitoring the developments as protests erupt within Congo, including demonstrators storming the French embassy in Kinshasa. These protests led to clashes with police, who responded with tear gas as tensions escalated.
During parliamentary discussions on Wednesday, Barrot emphasized the necessity for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crisis and reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting mediation efforts between the conflicting parties. The emphasis on dialogue indicates a recognition of the complex dynamics at play in the region.
Rwanda’s involvement has prompted significant international criticism, with warnings from the United Nations about the potential for the violence to escalate into a broader regional conflict. The situation remains precarious, highlighting the importance of diplomatic interventions to prevent further instability.
(Reporting by Ange Kasongo and John Irish; Writing by Hereward Holland; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Kim Coghill)
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