DRC President Urges Military Enlistment as Conflict with M23 Escalates

The M23 rebels have advanced in eastern DRC, capturing districts in South Kivu and threatening the capital, Bukavu. President Tshisekedi has urged young people to join the military in a strong response to the conflict. Rwandan involvement has drawn international condemnation, increasing the urgency for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Rwandan-backed rebels, namely the M23 group, have escalated their assault in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by securing additional territories in South Kivu, advancing towards Bukavu without encountering resistance, as reported by local sources. This surge marks a significant intensification in a conflict that has persisted for over a decade.

In response to the alarming developments, President Félix Tshisekedi addressed the nation, urging young Congolese to enlist en masse in the military to combat the rebel threat. He emphasized the necessity of a “vigorous and coordinated response” against both the M23 insurgents and their alleged backers.

The ongoing conflict has witnessed rebel forces successfully capture Goma, the capital of North Kivu, one of the key regions for internally displaced individuals. Tshisekedi expressed frustration over the perceived inaction of the international community and noted that the security situation could deteriorate further in the broader Great Lakes region.

The United Nations has indicated that the M23 rebels are receiving significant support from approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, marking an increase compared to past confrontations. In light of this, international stakeholders, including the United States and Germany, have voiced their concerns regarding Rwanda’s involvement in the unrest.

Amidst growing pressure, Rwandan officials have signaled an unwillingness to retreat, with the ambassador-at-large for the Great Lakes region, Vincent Karega, asserting that the M23’s advancement could extend beyond their current territory. Tshisekedi’s absence from an emergency summit aimed at resolving the conflict has also raised eyebrows.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, particularly in its eastern regions, where various armed groups, including M23, have sought control over valuable mineral resources. These resources, including cobalt and coltan, are critical for global electronics manufacturing, intensifying foreign interest and intervention in local conflicts. The role of neighboring countries, particularly Rwanda, has drawn scrutiny and accusations of exploiting DRC’s riches under the guise of military operations against other armed factions.

The escalating conflict involving Rwandan-backed rebels in the DRC underscores the fragility of peace in the region and the significant influence of external actors. President Tshisekedi’s call to arms reflects a desperate attempt to rally national support against a growing insurgency. As international scrutiny intensifies regarding Rwanda’s engagement, the potential for broader regional instability looms ominously over the Great Lakes area.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com