The escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen the M23 rebel group, under the leadership of Corneille Nangaa, assert control over Goma, the region’s most populous city. In a bold declaration, Nangaa announced their intent to advance towards the capital, Kinshasa, with the ultimate goal of dismantling President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration.
Rebels seize control as humanitarian crisis deepens
Reports suggest that the Rwanda-supported rebels are currently making strides towards Bukavu, the DRC’s second-largest city, despite widespread international calls for a ceasefire. Following the fall of Goma, President Tshisekedi delivered a televised address, pledging a “vigorous and coordinated response” to reclaim lost territory.
“Be sure of one thing: the Democratic Republic of Congo will not let itself be humiliated or crushed. We will fight and we will triumph,”
Tshisekedi declared, emphasizing the nation’s resolve in the face of aggression. The ongoing violence has displaced approximately 500,000 individuals, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian situation, as reported by the United Nations.
M23’s claims and regional tensions
In their newly claimed role as administrators of Goma, Nangaa assured journalists that the rebels would restore essential services in the city. However, the ongoing fighting has led to substantial disruptions in electricity and water supplies, resulting in severe food shortages.
“We will continue the march of liberation all the way to Kinshasa,” he affirmed, although analysts caution that such an offensive would face significant challenges due to the vast distances involved—Kinshasa is approximately 2,600 kilometers (1,600 miles) from Goma. Historically, similar advances were witnessed in 1997 when Rwanda-backed forces successfully ousted long-time ruler Mobutu Sese Seko.
Nangaa’s remarks are likely to intensify tensions in Kinshasa, which has accused Rwanda of providing military support to the rebels, a claim that Rwanda has vehemently denied. The Rwandan government, led by President Paul Kagame—a Tutsi—has accused the DRC of harboring Hutu militias linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Despite the presence of UN peacekeepers and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) forces in the region, efforts to quell the rebel assault have proven ineffective, with several peacekeepers losing their lives, including 13 South African troops.
In a recent statement, Kagame expressed Rwanda’s readiness to confront South Africa if the situation demands, responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s accusations regarding the involvement of M23 fighters in the violence.
Kagame emphasized, “If South Africa wants to contribute to peaceful solutions, that is well and good, but South Africa is in no position to take on the role of a peacemaker or mediator.”
This exchange marks a notable escalation in the already fragile relations between the two countries. As tensions mount, regional leaders are set to convene for a summit on Friday, with Kagame asserting that their regional forces do not serve as a peacekeeping contingent and are not suited for the current circumstances.
Meanwhile, Tshisekedi recognized the sacrifices of Sadc soldiers who have fallen in the conflict, as well as UN peacekeepers. Calls for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the DRC have emerged from the UN, European Union, and various nations, including the US and China. The UK and Germany have threatened to cut aid to Rwanda in light of the ongoing M23 offensive, with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy indicating that £32 million ($40 million) in annual aid is at risk.