Congo separates from Rwanda, rebels threaten Goma and drive away thousands

In the city of Goma, Congo, the tensions between the Congolese government and Rwanda have increased significantly. The situation continues to escalate, which led Congo broken off diplomatic relationships with Rwanda. This procedure is related to the continuing struggles, which romp around the strategically important city of Goma, which has around 2 million inhabitants. These arguments have already cost life at least 13 peace group members and foreign soldiers and forced thousands of civilians to flee.

The M23 rebel group and their territorial profits

In the past few weeks, the M23 rebel group has achieved significant regional gains on the border with Rwanda and is approaching Goma, which plays a central role in the region's security and humanitarian efforts. Congo, the United States and UN experts accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, which consist mainly of ethnic tutsis, which left the Congolese army over a decade ago. It is estimated that there are over 100 armed groups in the region that fight for influence in this mineral -rich area, where a long -lasting conflict has caused one of the greatest humanitarian crises in the world.

political developments and reactions

The Foreign Ministry Kongo announced on Saturday that it ends diplomatic relationships with Rwanda with immediate effect and draws all diplomatic employees from the country. Rwanda's government denies the support of the rebels, but admits that they have stationed troops and rocket systems in the east of the Congo to ensure their own safety. According to reports, there could be up to 4,000 Rwandic forces in the Congo.

Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe told the Associated Press news agency that the demolition of diplomatic relationships was a one -sided step of the Congo, which was even published on social media before he was sent to the message. "We have taken suitable measures to evacuate our remaining diplomats in Kinshasa, which was permanently threatened by Congolese officials," he said.

security situation and humanitarian crisis

The UN Security Council has called an urgent meeting on escalating violence in the East Congo, which was originally planned for Monday. On Sunday morning, there were heavy shooting changes in Goma, just a few kilometers from the front line. Tens of thousands of displaced children and adults fled from the Kanyaruchinya camp, one of the largest in the east of Congo, and went towards Goma.

Many of the displaced people expressed their concerns about their security. "We flee because we saw soldiers on the border with Rwanda, throw and shoot the bombs," reported Safi Shangwe, seeking refuge. Their despair is great: "We are tired and are afraid that our children are in danger of starving."

escape to Rwanda and the location in Goma

hundreds of people tried to flee the "Great Barrier" border crossing east from Goma to Rwanda on Sunday. The migration officers carefully checked the travel documents. "I cross the other direction to see if we can find a refuge, because the security in the city is not guaranteed at the moment," said Muahadi Amani, a resident of Goma.

the week before, the rebels had conquered the sake of about 27 kilometers from Goma, which increased the fears that the city could soon fall. The Congolese army said on Saturday that it had repaid an M23 offensive with the help of allied forces, including UN troops and soldiers from Southern African Development Community Mission (Samidrc).

dead and international reactions

In the past few days, seven South African soldiers were killed by Samidrc and two members of the UN peace mission, as the South African Ministry of Defense announced. A UN representative reported that a Uruguayan peace soldier was also killed. In addition, the UN confirmed in Malawi that three Malawian peace soldiers had lost their lives.

Since 2021, the Congolese government and its allies, including Samidrc and UN troops, have kept the M23 from Goma. The UN peace mission has been active in the Congo for more than two decades and has around 14,000 peace forces.