Crisis in the DRC: Leaders of Congo and Rwanda hold emergency talks amid M23 offensive

Wednesday 29 January 2025 - 09:36

The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to meet his Rwandan counterpart in an emergency summit as the M23 armed group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, advances towards the strategic city of Goma.

According to security sources, M23 fighters took control of Goma’s airport following intense clashes that have resulted in over 100 deaths and nearly 1,000 wounded. The extent of the Congolese forces' control over the city remains uncertain, but reports suggest that M23 and Rwandan forces dominate the streets.

More than 1,200 Congolese soldiers have reportedly surrendered and are now confined to the UN peacekeeping mission’s airport base. In response to the escalating crisis, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi is scheduled to meet with Rwandan President Paul Kagame at a high-level summit of the East African Community.

The renewed violence exacerbates ongoing instability in eastern DRC, an area deeply affected by the legacy of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and long-standing regional conflicts. The humanitarian situation is worsening, with the UN warning of food shortages, overwhelmed hospitals, and the risk of disease outbreaks.

Meanwhile, protests erupted in the capital, Kinshasa, where demonstrators targeted embassies, blaming foreign governments for failing to intervene. Several diplomatic missions were attacked, prompting travel advisories for foreign nationals.

The African Union has called on M23 to lay down its arms, and the DRC has accused Rwanda of exploiting the region’s vast mineral wealth. While Rwanda denies these allegations, international pressure is mounting. The UN and world leaders have urged an immediate ceasefire.

The conflict has displaced over half a million people since the start of the year, and the situation remains highly volatile. A previous ceasefire attempt failed, and diplomatic efforts continue to face obstacles.