Urgent Peace Efforts Intensify Amid Escalating Conflict in Goma, DR Congo

With over 17 casualties and multiple wounded, Goma faces chaos as international calls for ceasefire gain momentum. Leaders, including South Africa's and the US Secretary of State, advocate for urgent peace negotiations amid growing tensions surrounding Rwandan involvement.

Amid rising violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo's crucial city of Goma, international voices are increasingly urging for peace negotiations to alleviate the chaos. The city, often regarded as an economic and trading hub, is grappling with uncertainty as fighting continues. UN officials have characterized the situation as tumultuous, with serious conflicts reported in several areas.

An official from the Congolese government maintains that the military controls a significant portion of Goma, but this claim is contested by M23 rebel factions that have targeted the city. Reports indicate at least 17 fatalities and approximately 400 injuries amidst the unrest. The situation became graver when South Africa announced the deaths of four more peacekeepers during recent clashes, heightening the total number of South African military casualties to 13, with additional losses reported from Malawi and Uruguay.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently conversed with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, emphasizing the urgent necessity for a ceasefire and a revival of peace talks. The African Union is also preparing to convene an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Meanwhile, DR Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi met with various state leaders to assess the ongoing turmoil in Goma, asserting that military units and allied militias are maintaining positions within the city.

Since the outbreak of violence last Friday, essential services like electricity and water supply have been disrupted, with the government striving to restore them. Tshisekedi's administration is simultaneously pursuing both diplomatic and political avenues to resolve the unfolding crisis. New US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the M23's aggression and echoed the call for immediate peace discussions, indicating conversations planned between Tshisekedi and Kagame in the coming days.

In light of the ongoing strife, the Congolese government has requested a reassembly of the UN Security Council to impose stringent actions against Rwanda. During an emergency session, Congo accused Rwandan forces of crossing borders and warned of a "declaration of war." The UN subsequently denounced the advances of M23 and highlighted the infringement upon DR Congo's sovereignty involving external support. Rwanda has historically rejected claims of overt assistance to the rebels, although the UN peacekeeping chief has suggested otherwise.