Tensions rise as President Tshisekedi refuses to join a summit intended to address the deteriorating security situation in Goma, where M23 rebels continue to advance, causing widespread displacement and civil unrest.
**Congo's President Avoids Summit Amid Goma Conflict Escalation**
**Congo's President Avoids Summit Amid Goma Conflict Escalation**
Democratic Republic of Congo's leader opts out of key peace talks as fighting intensifies in eastern city.
Amid ongoing chaos in the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi has chosen to abstain from crucial peace talks aimed at resolving the violent uprising in the eastern city of Goma. This decision coincides with escalating tensions, as corpses remain uncollected in the streets following fierce clashes between government forces and the M23 rebel group.
Kenyan President William Ruto, in his capacity as head of the East African Community (EAC), had invited both Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to a virtual summit scheduled for Wednesday. However, state media reports that Tshisekedi's absence is confirmed, but without elaborating on the reasons behind it.
The M23 group, which has taken over significant portions of Goma—including its airport—is allegedly receiving military support from neighboring Rwanda, a claim that the Rwandan government denies. Despite the fighting subsiding to sporadic gunfire in Goma, local residents have emerged from hiding only to find food and supplies dwindling.
In light of the conflict, hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed with casualties, and reports indicate that essential services, including water, electricity, and internet, have been disrupted. Protests erupted in Kinshasa, where demonstrators targeted foreign embassies, urging international intervention to halt the M23 advance.
Additionally, a group of around 280 Romanian mercenaries who were assisting the Congolese army reportedly surrendered to M23 forces. This group had been operating under contracts aimed at training the DR Congo military but have since found themselves in a perilous situation, prompting an evacuation scenario.
As both diplomatic channels and ground realities remain fraught, the state of affairs in the Democratic Republic of Congo underscores a complex crisis involving regional dynamics and humanitarian repercussions.
