The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called for United Nations (UN) sanctions against Rwanda, accusing its neighbor of engaging in a “declaration of war” by sending additional troops to support the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group, which is advancing towards Goma in North Kivu province. The M23, with thousands of Rwandan soldiers, has been making significant progress against Congolese forces in recent days. The conflict has already led to the deaths of several foreign peacekeepers.
In an emergency meeting convened by the UN Security Council, DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner denounced the arrival of between 500 and 1,000 Rwandan soldiers, calling it a violation of DRC’s sovereignty. She urged the UN to impose sanctions, such as asset freezes and travel bans, on Rwandan officials.
Tensions between the DRC and Rwanda escalated after peace talks between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi were canceled in December, leading to the M23’s renewed push towards Goma. The city, home to over a million people, is now facing heavy shelling, and thousands of displaced people have flooded into the city.
International condemnation of Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict has grown, with both the African Union and the United States calling for an immediate ceasefire. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for Rwanda to cease supporting the M23 and withdraw from DRC territory.
The DRC has also accused Rwanda of exploiting the conflict to gain control over the region’s mineral resources, particularly gold, and has called for an embargo on the export of Rwandan-labeled minerals.
The situation in Goma has worsened, with the UN beginning to evacuate non-essential staff from the city as violence intensifies. Peacekeepers from several countries, including South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay, have been killed in the fighting.
