Congo severs Diplomatic ties with Rwanda amid escalating conflict

In a significant diplomatic shift, the Democratic Republic of Congo has severed all ties with Rwanda following a deadly surge in violence linked to the M23 rebel group, which is reportedly backed by Rwanda. The situation deteriorated over the weekend, with South Africa reporting that nine of its peacekeepers lost their lives amid the escalating hostilities in the mineral-rich eastern region of Congo.

January has seen a marked intensification of the three-year M23 insurgency, with the rebels gaining control of more territory than ever. The United Nations has issued warnings about the potential for a wider regional conflict as the M23 fighters advance towards the provincial capital, Goma.

Despite the chaos, Congolese troops, alongside allied forces, successfully pushed back the M23 insurgents, averting an immediate threat to Goma. Heavy bombardments were reported in the early hours of Saturday, but the situation appeared to stabilize during the day, with residents cautiously resuming their daily activities under a heavy police presence.

In light of the deteriorating security conditions, the United Nations has begun the process of relocating non-essential staff from Goma. The humanitarian crisis in the eastern provinces is worsening, with the UN refugee agency indicating that 400,000 people have been displaced this year alone.

Calls for Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 rebels have intensified, with the European Union urging for a withdrawal of Rwandan forces. This unrest is reminiscent of a previous rebellion in 2012 when the M23 briefly overran Goma, leading to international donors suspending aid to Rwanda.

As the situation escalates, access to Goma’s airport has been restricted, with officials advising passengers to leave as the airspace is now effectively closed due to advancing rebel forces. Gunfire echoed through the city early Sunday, igniting panic among the local population.

Reports indicate that Rwandan snipers may have been involved in the recent killing of North Kivu’s military governor, a claim that Rwanda has denied. As hundreds of displaced individuals seek refuge in Goma, military sources remain resolute, stating, “Rwanda is trying to get in by all means, but we are holding firm.”

The unfolding crisis poses a grave threat to Goma, a city of over one million residents, as humanitarian needs continue to rise. Human Rights Watch has called attention to the perilous conditions facing civilians in the area.