**Title: Rising Tensions in Goma: A Complex Historical and Geopolitical Context**
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become particularly acute in recent days, with alarming statements by Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DRC. During an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, she described the intrusion of Rwandan troops onto Congolese soil as a “frontal aggression” and a “declaration of war.” This latest episode of violence not only highlights the instability between Rwanda and the DRC, but also highlights a deeply rooted history of ethnic tensions, political rivalries, and geopolitical manipulation that has been ongoing for decades.
As the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group storms the outskirts of Goma, it is important to explore not only the immediate dynamics, but also the historical roots of this conflict. This situation is not limited to military issues; it is part of a history fraught with inter-ethnic violence and power struggles, exacerbated by a complex geopolitical map.
### A colonial legacy and its consequences
Rwanda and the DRC both bear the scars of their colonial past. The former Belgian colony, the DRC, was the scene of brutal exploitation during the colonial period. This context fostered social inequalities and ethnic tensions, particularly between Hutus and Tutsis. After the Rwandan genocide in 1994, millions of Hutus, including many members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), fled to the DRC. This uprooting led to protracted conflicts due to rivalries between armed groups and mutual accusations of supporting opposing factions.
### The Perpetuation of Armed Conflicts
The presence of armed groups in the DRC, notably the M23, shows how geographical borders are often porous in the face of the realities of ethnic and political affiliations. The DRC’s claims of violation of its sovereignty reveal a struggle that is not only about territory, but also about control of resources – eastern DRC is one of the richest places on the planet in minerals, notably coltan, for which global demand has exploded in recent years.
The destabilization of the region favors the interests of exherent powers that, while maintaining a neutral position, profit from the exploitation and illegal trade of natural resources. A UN report has already highlighted that the financial flows generated by these resources continue to fuel regional conflicts.
### The Diplomatic Dimensions
Rwanda and the DRC are entering a cycle of accusations and denial that complicates any possibility of a peaceful resolution. Statements by Rwandan Ambassador to the UN Ernest Rwamucyo calling for the neutralization of the FDLR reveal the vicious circle of geopolitical tensions. The loss of mutual trust makes any mediation difficult, while international actors often seem paralyzed by divergent interests.
The call by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for Rwandan troops to withdraw from the DRC embodies an attempt to redress the situation. However, it appears essential for the international community to study the root causes of this crisis – not only the evidence of human rights violations, but also the impact of previous foreign interventions in the DRC, often perceived as interference.
### Conclusion: Towards an engaging understanding
The current crisis around Goma goes beyond the simple confrontation between troops and rebels; it highlights a complex set of historical, political and economic challenges that require renewed attention and analysis. The real resolution of this long-term conflict will require not only diplomatic discussions, but also increased international pressure to establish a lasting peace, thus stimulating inclusive development within the region.
In an era of globalization, where the interdependence of nations is of crucial importance, the DRC and Rwanda must consider a more meaningful dialogue, taking into account the legitimate concerns of each party. Finally, the long-term commitment to building mechanisms for peaceful coexistence could be the path to lasting stability in this strategically and historically charged region.