The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have seized control of Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, have declared their ambition to advance on the capital, Kinshasa. Meanwhile, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has called for massive military enlistment, rejecting negotiations with the rebels despite growing pressure from regional leaders.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Congo’s Leadership Rejects Talks as Rebels Declare Political Ambitions
Congo’s Defense Minister, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, issued a defiant statement, instructing officials to “burn any plans for dialogue.” He vowed that the Congolese military would either “stay alive or die fighting.”
However, during a press briefing in Goma, M23 political leader Corneille Nangaa insisted that the rebels seek political power. “We want to go to Kinshasa, take power, and lead the country,” he declared, though he did not specify how the group plans to advance the 1,500 km to the capital.
Tshisekedi Mobilizes Forces Amid Calls for Peace Talks
With M23 rebels consolidating power in eastern Congo and reportedly advancing toward South Kivu’s capital, Bukavu, Tshisekedi has urged young Congolese to enlist en masse to defend the country.
His hardline stance comes despite a summit of the East African regional bloc calling for a ceasefire and urging dialogue. Notably, Tshisekedi did not attend the virtual summit, reinforcing his position that talks with M23 are not an option.
Goma in Crisis: Looting, Bodies in the Streets
Goma remains in turmoil, with no electricity or water. Residents have found the bodies of alleged Congolese government soldiers in the streets, adding to the growing humanitarian disaster.
M23 rebels claim to have captured 2,000 government soldiers and police officers, parading them to an undisclosed location, with some reportedly chanting anti-Tshisekedi songs.
Looting has erupted in the city, worsening the humanitarian crisis. “Desperate times call for desperate measures,” warned Cynthia Jones of the U.N. World Food Program, highlighting the growing chaos.
Rwanda-South Africa Tensions Escalate Over DRC Crisis
The crisis has intensified diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and South Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa directly blamed the “Rwanda Defense Force militia” for the deaths of 13 South African peacekeepers in eastern Congo.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame hit back, calling South Africa’s troops a “belligerent force” working alongside anti-Rwandan armed groups. “If South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day,” Kagame warned.
Will M23 Hold Goma This Time?
Unlike 2012, when M23 briefly captured Goma before withdrawing under international pressure, the group appears more entrenched, supported by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops.
Analysts believe Kigali and Kinshasa’s escalating rhetoric, combined with failed peace efforts, have fueled this crisis. “This is a failure of African mediation,” said Murithi Mutiga of the Crisis Group, warning that the situation could spiral into a wider regional war.
As the world watches, Congo stands at a crossroads—mobilizing for war while regional leaders push for peace. Whether the conflict remains within eastern DRC or escalates further into a regional confrontation remains to be seen.
