The Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of deploying troops in North Kivu province, hours after the Rwandan-backed M23 militia claimed control of the provincial capital, Goma.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya warned of potential “carnage” in the region, stating that the Congolese government is working to prevent further loss of life.
“The government continues to work to prevent carnage and loss of life in light of Rwanda’s clear intentions,” Muyaya said in a statement on X. He also confirmed the “presence of the Rwandan army” in Goma and urged residents to remain indoors and avoid acts of looting and vandalism.
UN sources reported exchanges of artillery fire between Congolese and Rwandan forces near the border, as tensions escalate. Rwanda’s military spokesperson, Ronald Rwivanga, claimed that five civilians were killed and 25 others injured in shelling near the border town of Gisenyi. Meanwhile, the border between the two countries near Goma has been closed, according to a European consulate source.
As M23 rebels entered Goma, thousands of prisoners escaped from Munzenze prison following a fire at the facility, according to UN-backed Radio Okapi. The city, a crucial hub for humanitarian operations in the region, is now grappling with chaos. The M23 rebellion, led by ethnic Tutsi fighters, has intensified over recent months, resulting in numerous clashes, including a recent skirmish that killed international peacekeepers from South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay.
The United Nations Security Council condemned the offensive by M23 rebels and called for an immediate halt to their advance. It also urged “external forces” to withdraw and respect Congo’s sovereignty. On Sunday, the Council denounced the “flagrant disregard” for Congo’s territorial integrity and called for an end to the violence.
Kenyan President William Ruto has announced plans for a crisis summit between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, scheduled for Wednesday. “We do not see a possibility of a military solution to the challenges in eastern Congo,” Ruto said, advocating for “direct engagement” with M23 rebels and other stakeholders. Previous Angola-mediated negotiations between Congo and Rwanda collapsed in December due to disagreements over peace talks with M23.
