The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially severed all diplomatic relations with Rwanda following the deaths of nine South African peacekeepers amid escalating violence in the country’s eastern region, which has been ravaged by the M23 insurgency. The rebels, backed by Rwanda, have made significant territorial gains, sparking fears of the conflict spreading across the broader Great Lakes region.
The M23 rebellion, which has been ongoing for three years, intensified in January as the rebels captured additional strategic areas, including territory near the provincial capital, Goma. The United Nations has raised alarms, warning of a potential regional war, with surrounding nations at risk of becoming involved.
On Saturday, the Congolese military and its regional allies reported having repelled the M23 insurgents, who had been closing in on Goma. Heavy bombardment shook the city early in the day, underscoring the precarious situation. The Congo government has accused Rwanda of fueling the insurgency with direct military support, including troops and weapons, claims that Rwanda has consistently denied. However, Congo’s army maintains that Rwandan snipers were responsible for the recent assassination of the military governor of North Kivu, who was stationed at the front.
In a dramatic diplomatic move, Congo has recalled its diplomats from Rwanda and given the Rwandan embassy 48 hours to cease all consular and diplomatic activities in the Congolese capital. This marks a significant escalation in tensions, with Congo’s foreign ministry describing the move as the “most severe form of diplomatic breakdown.” Rwandan officials could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.
Amid the growing international concern, the United Nations Security Council has called an emergency session for Sunday to discuss the situation. The meeting, originally scheduled for Monday, was advanced due to the worsening crisis and the fear of further escalation.
The violence has taken a heavy toll on peacekeeping forces. The South African National Defence Force confirmed that two South African soldiers serving in the United Nations mission, along with seven members of the Southern African regional force, were killed in the clashes. The South African government praised the peacekeepers for their bravery, which helped prevent the rebels from advancing to Goma. Despite these efforts, fighting continues across the region, including in South Kivu, where advances by M23 fighters have been halted.
The situation in Goma appeared relatively calm on Saturday, with citizens cautiously resuming their daily activities, although a heavy police presence remained. The United Nations has begun relocating non-essential staff from the city due to deteriorating security conditions.
The threat to Goma, a city of more than one million people, has sparked renewed calls for Rwanda to halt its involvement in the conflict. The European Union issued a statement on Saturday, urging Rwanda to withdraw its support for the M23 rebels. The M23 had previously taken control of Goma in 2012 during a brief rebellion, which led to international sanctions and aid cuts for Rwanda. However, the current situation is far more dire, with the rebels holding more ground than they did during the 2012 uprising.
The ongoing fighting has also worsened the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo. The United Nations estimates that over 400,000 people have been displaced this year alone, adding to the tens of thousands already forced from their homes due to the conflict. Human Rights Watch has warned that the humanitarian situation in Goma is rapidly deteriorating, with civilian casualties mounting and an urgent need for aid.
As the violence continues, the international community is being urged to take swift and decisive action to prevent further escalation and to address the critical humanitarian needs facing millions of people in the region.