DRC President Calls for Military Recruits Amid M23 Rebel Advance

M23 rebels have advanced in eastern DRC, threatening Bukavu, prompting President Tshisekedi to call for military recruits. The situation escalated with the capture of Goma, intensifying international criticism of Rwanda’s involvement. Tshisekedi condemned the lack of global response to the crisis, emphasizing the need for military action against the advancing rebels.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have advanced in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), seizing control of two districts in South Kivu province and threatening the capital, Bukavu. Local sources reported no resistance during this latest advance. In response, President Félix Tshisekedi publicly urged young Congolese to enlist in the army, promising a determined military response against the rebels.

The M23 group captured the city of Goma, North Kivu’s capital, marking a significant escalation in an ongoing conflict. Tshisekedi emphasized that a coordinated military action was underway, denouncing the silence of the international community regarding the situation. He deemed the lack of action an affront to the worsening security crisis affecting the Great Lakes region.

International responses to Rwanda’s involvement have escalated; the United States expressed deep concern, Germany canceled future meetings with Rwandan officials, and the United Kingdom admonished Kigali by linking $1 billion of global aid to its actions. In contrast, Rwandan officials asserted that the M23’s drive could extend beyond eastern DRC.

The DRC, rich in valuable minerals, continues to accuse Rwanda of leveraging the destabilized region for profit, a claim supported by United Nations experts confirming a significant Rwandan military presence aiding the M23. Rwanda has dismissed these accusations, claiming its support targets the FDLR, an armed group linked to the Rwandan genocide.

The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC can be traced back to regional tensions stemming from the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s. Since then, various armed groups have emerged, with the M23 being one of the most prominent, often receiving backing from Rwanda. The DRC is rich in minerals such as gold, cobalt, and coltan, adding economic dimensions to the violence. Since 2012, conflicts reminiscent of this historical tension have sparked renewed military engagements, impacting local populations severely.

In summary, the situation in eastern DRC remains precarious as M23 rebels continue their advance, drawing significant international attention and condemnation. President Tshisekedi’s appeal for military enlistment highlights the urgent nature of the crisis, compounded by accusations against Rwanda that underline the intertwined nature of security and resource exploitation in the region. The escalating conflict necessitates immediate action and international dialogue to stabilize the area.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com