Rwanda has reiterated its commitment to a political solution in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where M23 rebels are engaged in heavy fighting with government forces. The latest violence near Goma was triggered by ongoing ceasefire violations by the Congolese army, according to Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The fighting, which is taking place close to the Rwandan border, has raised serious security concerns for Rwanda. The Ministry stated that the situation poses a direct threat to its territorial integrity, which requires its continued defensive posture.
During an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, the Congolese government demanded the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from its territory and called for sanctions against Rwandan officials accused of supporting the rebels.
As the conflict intensifies, thousands of civilians have been forced to flee the violence in North Kivu, particularly around Goma. Residents reported hearing sporadic gunfire in nearby areas, with many fleeing to safer locations, including neighboring Rwanda. Local businesses in Goma remained closed as M23 rebels advanced toward the city, threatening to encircle it.
STATEMENT ON SITUATION IN EASTERN DRC
🔗: https://t.co/YTnMeOmUyP pic.twitter.com/sIJYkL4ZlS
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Int'l Cooperation (@RwandaMFA) January 26, 2025The humanitarian situation is worsening, with displaced people seeking refuge in schools and other makeshift shelters in towns like Bweremana, Minova, and Kalungu. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that the area’s capacity to handle the growing influx of displaced people is nearing its limit.
Bruno Lemarquis, humanitarian coordinator in DRC, expressed concerns over the rising number of displaced persons, now over 400,000 this year. Goma’s Ndosho General Hospital is overwhelmed, treating hundreds of wounded individuals, many of them civilians suffering from bullet and artillery wounds.
M23 rebels, who are allegedly supported by Rwanda, also claimed responsibility for closing Goma’s airspace on Sunday, accusing the Congolese government forces of using the airport for military operations. Despite these claims, Rwanda continues to deny any involvement with the M23 rebels.
🎙️Amb. @ErnestRwamucyo at the UN Security Council on the situation in the Eastern DRC ⬇️:
🔹”The situation we are facing today is no surprise to anyone. It mirrors the same situation 12 years ago. It is the result of the complete mismanagement
by the DRC of a complex problem.… pic.twitter.com/sTxuLvE7Ab
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Int'l Cooperation (@RwandaMFA) January 26, 2025
