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Escalating Tensions in Goma as M23 Rebels Gain Ground
Protests have erupted in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where demonstrators have been setting fire to portraits of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and destroying Rwandan flags. The anger stems from the significant advances made by the M23 rebel group, which has gained control over much of Goma, a vital city in the eastern DRC.
The accusations against Kagame are long-standing, primarily revolving around claims that he supports the M23 rebels. A group of United Nations experts has asserted that Rwandan military forces effectively run M23 operations, emphasizing that the rebels receive training under Rwandan oversight and utilize sophisticated weaponry supplied by Rwanda.
Goma is strategically located near Lake Kivu and shares a border with Rwanda. This city is not only the capital of the mineral-rich North Kivu province but also serves as a critical trading and humanitarian center, housing the largest UN peacekeeping mission worldwide. Following a resurgence of fighting that reignited in late 2021, Goma’s population has swelled to about two million, as it transformed into a refuge for those fleeing the violence.
Recent clashes were marked by loud explosions and chaos, with reports indicating that the M23 has seized most, if not all, of Goma. Communication disruptions, with downed phone lines and loss of electricity and water, have hampered the understanding of the situation as the on-the-ground circumstances remain tenuous.
UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix acknowledged the presence of Rwandan troops in Goma supporting the M23, yet he voiced uncertainty regarding their exact numbers. Surrendering Congolese soldiers crossed into Rwanda last Monday, highlighting the growing complexities of the conflict.
President Kagame has consistently denied any involvement with the M23. Still, perceptions surrounding his government’s role have shifted as evidence mounts regarding Rwanda’s backing of the rebels. According to Richard Moncrief from the International Crisis Group, Kagame’s rhetoric has evolved, now reflecting justifications for “defensive measures” in light of increasing accusations.
This month alone, an estimated 400,000 individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing violence. Kagame has framed the conflict in the context of historical grievances stemming from the 1994 Rwandan genocide, during which extremist Hutus perpetrated mass killings against Tutsis. As remnants of the Hutu militia, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), continue to operate in eastern DRC, Kagame views their presence as an existential threat.
With the conflict escalating, Kagame criticized Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi for his administration’s failure to address the FDLR effectively and for not engaging in dialogue with the M23, claiming such inaction fuels ongoing instability.
Experts suggest that the M23’s occupation of Goma serves a political rather than a strictly strategic purpose, asserting that Kagame aims to assert dominance over North Kivu. Accusations have surfaced surrounding high-level collaborations within the Congolese military, heightening tensions further.
The M23, which identifies itself as a defender of the Tutsi minority in the DRC, has a complicated history. Its origins date back to previous rebel movements, and while it initially dissolved under a peace deal, it resumed operations three years ago, asserting that prior agreements remained unfulfilled. The current UN peacekeeping mission lacks a mandate for offensive operations, and regional forces deployed to assist Tshisekedi have struggled to counteract the M23’s growing influence.
Reports reveal that M23 rebels have benefitted from specialized training in military tactics, supported by Rwandan armed forces. This training has reportedly included courses on guerrilla warfare, engagement rules, and combat strategies. Despite denials from Rwandan officials regarding accusations of recruiting child soldiers, UN expert insights indicate otherwise, with systematic conscription methods highlighted in their reports.
Furthermore, the M23’s operational capabilities have advanced, with the UN experts estimating that between 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops are present within DRC, analyzing various forms of evidence, including photography and eyewitness accounts. Reports confirm sophisticated weaponry usage, including Israeli-made rockets and advanced technologies designed to disrupt GPS signals, hampering Congolese military efforts.
As tensions continue to build, Kagame maintains that the primary issue towards addressing the DRC’s unrest rests with the FDLR. The East African Community, led by Kenya, is attempting to mediate the situation, although Tshisekedi’s recent refusal to attend an emergency summit suggests a lack of willingness to engage with Rwanda’s concerns.
All these developments highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive dialogue and strategy to address the deep-rooted complexities of the DRC’s conflicts and its relationship with Rwanda.
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