Rwanda has called for a ceasefire across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and urged negotiations between the Congolese government and M23 rebels, even as it denies allegations of supporting the armed group.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stated that hostilities in Goma would cease as the city is now under M23 control. However, reports from the city indicate ongoing looting and sporadic gunfire. While Rwanda insists its military has not crossed into Congo, international powers—including the UN, US, France, Britain, and the Congolese government—accuse Rwanda of aiding M23 in capturing Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC.
Meanwhile, M23 fighters are reportedly advancing south towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, expanding their territorial control. Nduhungirehe argued that Congo’s President, Félix Tshisekedi, now has no choice but to engage in dialogue with M23, as Rwanda opposes a military resolution to the crisis.
Congo, however, refuses to negotiate with M23, labeling it a terrorist organization. Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner has called on the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Rwanda for its alleged involvement.
The renewed conflict follows the collapse of peace talks between Congo and Rwanda in December, exacerbating longstanding ethnic tensions. Rwanda claims that remnants of the 1994 Rwandan genocide fled to Congo and have been integrated into the Congolese military, further fueling the crisis.
