By AGGREY BULUBA
Goma, DRC – Rwandan President Paul Kagame and the U.S. government have acknowledged the urgency of restoring peace in eastern Congo, yet Rwanda has made no move to withdraw its troops or curb support for M23 rebels advancing on Goma.
On Monday, M23 fighters stormed Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, sparking the most intense fighting in over a decade. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties from gunfire, shrapnel, and mortar explosions, while tens of thousands have fled their homes.
The U.S. has urged the United Nations Security Council to take action, possibly imposing sanctions to halt the rebel advance. Although fighting eased on Wednesday, intermittent gunfire echoed through the city, and reports emerged of widespread looting and property destruction.
Kagame stated on X (formerly Twitter) that he had a “good talk” with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about securing a ceasefire and tackling the deeper causes of the conflict. Rubio expressed alarm over the worsening violence, which has persisted for more than 30 years, fueled by disputes over Congo’s vast mineral wealth.
Both the Congolese government and U.N. officials accuse Rwanda of deploying troops in Goma to bolster M23, a charge Rwanda denies, insisting its presence is merely defensive against Congolese militias.
After the Kagame-Rubio talks, the U.S. State Department issued a statement calling for an immediate ceasefire and respect for national sovereignty.
Fighting along the Rwanda-DRC border intensified on Monday as Congolese forces battled M23 rebels seeking full control of Goma, a key mineral trade hub. This marks the second time in 13 years that M23 has occupied the city.
As the saying goes, “When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” Once again, civilians are paying the highest price in this relentless conflict.
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