President Returns from Davos as Violence Surges in DR Congo

President Felix Tshisekedi's swift departure from the World Economic Forum highlights the deepening crisis as thousands flee from escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi has hastily cut short his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos to address the flaring violence in his home country. The conflict, particularly intense in the eastern provinces, has seen significant advances by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, causing alarm and widespread displacement among civilians.

Since the beginning of the year, over 400,000 individuals have been forced to flee their homes as the M23 captures more territory, now threatening the provincial capital of Goma, a critical urban center near the Rwandan border. According to reports from local civic leaders, the violence has resulted in the tragic deaths of more than 200 civilians in areas controlled by the rebels, while two children died due to bombings at a displaced persons camp.

The strategic importance of Goma cannot be overstated; during a significant rebellion in 2012, M23 briefly overtook the city before a negotiated retrenchment. The current situation, however, has led to roadblocks limiting access to the city, prompting fears of food shortages among the urban population. Local leaders describe Goma as being in a "vice," warning of severe humanitarian consequences as the population endures constrained access to essentials.

The recent capture of the town of Sake, located just 20 kilometers from Goma, has heightened concerns about the safety and security of the city, despite the Congolese military's claims of successfully repelling rebel advances in that area. Thousands of residents, already displaced multiple times by prior conflicts, are fleeing with scant belongings, seeking refuge as medical facilities become overwhelmed with casualties.

The M23 has gained significant territory in mineral-rich eastern DR Congo since 2021, prompting fears of a repeat of earlier sieges on Goma. The Rwandan government has been accused of supporting the rebels, although they have not formally acknowledged such claims. In response to the rising tensions, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has cautioned that the ongoing strife poses risks of escalating into a larger regional conflict, urging respect for the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo and cessation of support for armed groups.