France is enhancing diplomatic efforts as M23 rebels advance in eastern DRC, displacing hundreds of thousands and raising humanitarian concerns. President Macron is urging dialogue between regional leaders, while France supports international action against Rwanda, accused of backing the rebels. The situation remains dire with rising casualties and ongoing violence in Goma, necessitating urgent collaboration to avert a deeper crisis.
France is intensifying its diplomatic efforts amid the escalating crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marked by violent confrontations between the Congolese army and M23 rebels. The rebels, allegedly supported by Rwandan forces—an assertion denied by Kigali—have displaced hundreds of thousands, particularly in Goma, the North Kivu province capital. President Emmanuel Macron is engaging regional leaders, advocating for dialogue to avert increased tensions.
Macron has held discussions with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, encouraging negotiations intended to stabilize the situation. Additional conversations involved leaders from Kenya, South Africa, Congo-Brazzaville, and Angola, re-emphasizing France’s commitment to restoring sovereignty and promoting reconciliation within the DRC and between it and Rwanda.
The humanitarian and security landscape in eastern DRC, particularly in Goma, has rapidly deteriorated, as expressed by the French Foreign Ministry. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the rebel advances, citing significant threats to regional stability and dire humanitarian consequences stemming from the escalating violence, which has led to over 700,000 displacements recently.
As conflict intensifies, reports indicate that the M23 rebel group, reportedly bolstered by over 3,500 Rwandan soldiers, has commenced a significant assault on Goma. The ongoing violence has resulted in hundreds of injuries and civilian deaths, overwhelming medical facilities. Since the recent clashes began, reports indicate that more than a million residents and displaced individuals have suffered in the city, particularly from artillery and gunfire exchanges.
The alarming rise in fatalities extends to the international forces, with four more South African soldiers confirmed dead due to the escalating warfare. This uptick not only highlights the persistent instability of eastern DRC, but it also emphasizes cross-border tensions fueled by competition over resource-rich territories. Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of manipulating the M23 to gain control over these strategic regions.
In response to the crisis, France has endorsed the DRC’s calls for international intervention, urging the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Rwanda. However, the Congolese government has expressed frustration over the Security Council’s lack of specificity in addressing Rwanda’s role in the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ support for DRC sovereignty while emphasizing the urgency of re-establishing negotiations between DRC and Rwanda.
Despite ongoing diplomatic engagements, tensions remain high as M23 rebels have declared a triumph following their advances into Goma’s city center. Rwanda maintains that its military actions are vital for national security, outright dismissing calls for withdrawal. President Macron has stressed the immediate need for both regional and international cooperation to avert further decline in the humanitarian crisis.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, exacerbated by competition over its rich mineral resources and cross-border tensions, particularly with Rwanda. The M23 rebel group has recently intensified its military actions against the Congolese army, leading to significant humanitarian crises in the affected areas. France, under President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership, is stepping up its diplomatic interventions, collaborating with regional leaders and international bodies to seek resolution and restore stability in the DRC.
In conclusion, France’s diplomatic endeavors reflect the urgency of addressing the worsening crisis in the DRC, characterized by the destructive escalation of violence led by M23 rebels. The involvement of international leaders and organizations underscores the complexity of regional security dynamics and the need for immediate, concerted efforts to restore peace and humanitarian support in eastern DRC.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr