Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has vowed a response against the rebel alliance AFC/M23, which has taken control of Goma, the largest city in eastern DR Congo’s North Kivu province. The rebels are advancing towards South Kivu and have seized towns in the area.
The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of equipping the M23 with weapons and troops, while Rwanda denies the allegations but criticizes DR Congo for collaborating with Hutu militias against a mainly Tutsi rebel group. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of several people, including foreign peacekeepers, and hundreds more are injured.
Regional leaders have urged President Tshisekedi to engage in dialogue with all parties involved, including the M23 and other armed groups. Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame also emphasizes the importance of mediation and understanding the context of the conflict.
The situation remains tense, with two possible scenarios unfolding: negotiations between Kinshasa and regional allies or a military solution that could widen the conflict through increased battles and cross-border attacks. The president has previously threatened to go to war with Rwanda, while Kagame has responded in kind, stating that his country is ready to fight.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/30/africa/congos-tshisekedi-m23-rebels-intl/index.html