The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, has opted not to participate in regionally mediated discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing rebel offensive against the strategic eastern city of Goma, as reported by the state media.
Kenyan summit amid escalating violence
Kenyan President William Ruto extended an invitation to Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame for a regional summit scheduled for later today, coinciding with reports of lifeless bodies lining the streets of Goma, which has been the focal point of intense combat. The M23 rebel group is accused of having support from neighboring Rwanda, resulting in their control over significant portions of the city, including the vital airport.
According to the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), approximately 280 Romanian mercenaries fighting alongside the Congolese military have surrendered to the M23 faction.
Rwanda’s involvement in the crisis
Yolande Makolo, a spokesperson for the Rwandan government, confirmed that Rwanda would participate in the summit but did not clarify whether Kagame would attend. The United Nations has cited substantial evidence suggesting that Rwanda is providing backing to the M23 rebels, a claim that Rwanda has consistently denied.
Despite a largely quiet Wednesday in Goma, sporadic gunfire was reported in various districts. Residents returning from safe havens faced increasing food scarcity after several days of conflict. The official news agency of DR Congo announced Tshisekedi’s absence from the summit convened by Ruto, who is the current chairperson of the East African Community (EAC), without specifying the reason for his decision.
Since the onset of hostilities earlier this week, clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese army, along with its allies, have resulted in overwhelmed hospitals and lifeless bodies on the streets, as reported by the UN. Aid agencies noted that warehouses containing food and medical supplies were looted, leading to a breakdown of essential services, including electricity, water, and internet access.
The escalating anger regarding the rebel onslaught has fueled protests in the capital, Kinshasa, where demonstrators targeted foreign embassies. At least ten embassies were reported damaged and looted, with protesters demanding international intervention to halt the advancing rebel forces in Goma.
The RDF disclosed that the Romanian mercenaries would be transported to the capital, Kigali, after surrendering to the M23 following the group’s capture of Goma. Reports from AFP indicated that many Romanians, identified as private military contractors, fled to the Rwandan town of Gisenyi, just across the border from Goma. One contractor, who identified himself as Emile, expressed,
“We weren’t on a battlefield, we were here to train and help with artillery. What I learned is that anything can happen. I came. I did my work and now I am happy to go back and be with my family.”
In a strategic maneuver to expand their territorial control in eastern DR Congo, M23 rebels have reportedly begun advancing towards the lakeside city of Bukavu, according to reports from five diplomatic and security sources.