Congo Severs Ties with Rwanda as Fighting Escalates in Eastern Region
Congo has severed all diplomatic ties with Rwanda, a move that comes as fighting between the Congolese army and Rwanda-backed rebels has intensified in the mineral-rich eastern region. The three-year M23 insurgency has seen the rebels seize control of more territory than ever before, prompting the United Nations to warn of the risk of a broader regional war.
The fighting has killed nine South African peacekeepers and two Congolese soldiers, with many more civilians forced to flee their homes. The United Nations has temporarily relocated its non-essential staff from the provincial capital of Goma due to the deteriorating security situation.
Congo accuses Rwanda of fuelling the conflict with its own troops and weapons, while Rwanda denies this. The Congolese army has said that Rwandan snipers were responsible for the killing of the military governor of North Kivu province.
The international community is increasingly concerned about the situation, with the United Nations Security Council set to meet on Sunday to discuss the crisis. The European Union has called on Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 rebels and withdraw its troops from the region.
The fighting has also deepened the humanitarian crisis in the region, with over 400,000 people forced to flee their homes this year alone. Human Rights Watch has warned that the situation facing civilians in Goma is becoming increasingly perilous and that the humanitarian needs are enormous.