Tensions between Rwanda and DR Congo escalate as M23 rebels seize Goma, forcing thousands to flee. With diplomatic ties severed, fears of a regional war intensify.
Rising Tensions and Military Escalation
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has accused Rwanda of declaring war after M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Kigali, seized the strategic border city of Goma. Thousands of civilians, along with UN personnel, have fled the city in panic. While M23 claims to have secured control, the DRC government insists that its troops remain in the area and accuses Rwanda of direct military involvement. The crisis has led to the severing of diplomatic ties between the two nations, with Kinshasa ordering all Rwandan diplomats to leave immediately. Meanwhile, global powers, including the UN, EU, and the U.S., have called for Rwanda to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory.
Humanitarian Crisis and Regional Ramifications
With over a third of North Kivu’s population already displaced, the situation threatens to become one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Rwanda, on the other hand, blames Kinshasa for violating ceasefire agreements. The conflict is further complicated by economic interests in the mineral-rich region, where M23 and other armed groups vie for control. As diplomatic efforts falter, fears of a full-scale war grow, particularly after Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s visit to Turkey, where he explored military drone acquisitions. The unfolding crisis could destabilize Central Africa and drag neighboring nations into a wider conflict.