Tens of thousands are affected as government and M23 rebels clash over control of Goma, highlighting regional tensions with Rwanda.
**DR Congo President Skips Peace Talks Amid Goma Violence**
**DR Congo President Skips Peace Talks Amid Goma Violence**
President Félix Tshisekedi declines regional summit invitation as conflict escalates in eastern Congo, resulting in mass displacement.
In the midst of escalating violence in the eastern city of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi has opted out of regional peace talks intended to address the ongoing crisis. The invitation, extended by Kenyan President William Ruto, seeks to gather leaders to deliberate over the rebel siege threatening Goma, which has seen significant casualties and displacement.
The M23 rebel group, accused of receiving support from neighboring Rwanda, continues to exert pressure on the Congolese government forces, with reports confirming that they have gained control over vital areas, including the strategic airport. This week, approximately 280 Romanian combatants, previously fighting alongside the Congolese army, surrendered to M23, prompting further criticism towards Rwanda's involvement, despite their denial of direct military support.
As chaos grips Goma, sporadic gunfire remains a concern, while residents face dire shortages of food due to looting and disrupted supply lines. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and fundamental services like electricity and internet are critically limited. The situation has ignited protests in the capital, Kinshasa, where demonstrators targeted foreign embassies, demanding international intervention.
The Rwandan Defence Force reported transporting the surrendered Romanian fighters to their capital, Kigali, amidst rising tensions over the conflict and accusations of foreign interference. As the M23 rebels push their advance towards Bukavu, diplomatic sources indicate the possibility of further territorial ambitions in eastern DR Congo, underscoring the urgent need for resolution in an already volatile situation.
The M23 rebel group, accused of receiving support from neighboring Rwanda, continues to exert pressure on the Congolese government forces, with reports confirming that they have gained control over vital areas, including the strategic airport. This week, approximately 280 Romanian combatants, previously fighting alongside the Congolese army, surrendered to M23, prompting further criticism towards Rwanda's involvement, despite their denial of direct military support.
As chaos grips Goma, sporadic gunfire remains a concern, while residents face dire shortages of food due to looting and disrupted supply lines. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and fundamental services like electricity and internet are critically limited. The situation has ignited protests in the capital, Kinshasa, where demonstrators targeted foreign embassies, demanding international intervention.
The Rwandan Defence Force reported transporting the surrendered Romanian fighters to their capital, Kigali, amidst rising tensions over the conflict and accusations of foreign interference. As the M23 rebels push their advance towards Bukavu, diplomatic sources indicate the possibility of further territorial ambitions in eastern DR Congo, underscoring the urgent need for resolution in an already volatile situation.
