In the East African region, a conflict between Rwanda and Congo attracted attention at a recent United Nations Security Council meeting. Tensions have risen as violence has intensified in Congo’s mineral-rich east, which shares a border with Rwanda.
The United States has issued a strong warning to the two neighboring countries, urging them to ward off the specter of imminent war. The American representative stressed the need for Rwanda, Congo and other regional actors to immediately resume diplomatic dialogue. He insisted that regional diplomatic efforts are essential to achieve a negotiated solution and lasting peace, emphasizing that the use of military force is not the way forward.
The United States criticized the deteriorating situation, pointing the finger at the M23 armed group, which it said was backed by Rwanda. For its part, Rwanda justified the presence of its troops in Congolese territory by citing threats to its national security.
Congo has accused Rwanda of illegally occupying part of its North Kivu province and supporting the M23 rebel group with the aim of destabilizing the country and plundering its natural wealth. The Congolese representative underlined the absence of attacks coming from Congolese territory towards Rwanda for more than two decades, thus rejecting the fears of genocide put forward by Rwanda.
As fighting resumes around Goma, the region’s largest city, and people flee clashes between Congolese government troops and the M23 rebel group, the international community is called on to act quickly to end the violence. and ease tensions between Rwanda and Congo.
The looming humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo is worrying, with millions of people facing mass displacement, human rights violations and gender-based violence. This tragedy risks going unnoticed in the face of media attention given to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
It is necessary for all parties concerned to exercise restraint, for the M23 group to cease attacks and withdraw from the region, for Rwanda to end its support for the armed group and immediately withdraw its troops and missile systems from Congo . Only serious diplomatic dialogue and regional cooperation can resolve this crisis and establish lasting peace in the region.