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As the world sees glimmers of hope for peace in Gaza and Ukraine, a new conflict has erupted in another corner of the globe. This week, M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have seized control of Goma, a city in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This move has been deemed a “declaration of war” by the DRC government against Rwanda, raising concerns of a potential full-blown conflict between the two nations. The implications of such a conflict could extend beyond their borders, drawing in other neighboring states and potentially sparking a larger regional crisis.
The crisis in eastern DRC, which has been simmering for some time, has once again escalated dramatically. Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, seems to have strategically timed this aggression, taking advantage of a perceived shift in the US administration. A peace process mediated by Angola and sponsored by the US recently collapsed, creating a power vacuum that Kagame may have seen as an opportunity to assert dominance in the region.
The control exerted by M23 rebels over mineral-rich areas in eastern Congo, vital for the production of electronics, has long been a point of contention. Reports have indicated that minerals, such as gold and coltan, sourced from militia-controlled mines in Congo are often smuggled into Rwanda and falsely labeled as Rwandan exports. This illicit trade has led to significant financial losses for the DRC, estimated to be around $1 billion annually.
Kagame’s actions have been met with relative silence from Western powers, who have historically turned a blind eye to Rwanda’s activities in the region. Despite occasional criticisms, Rwanda has received increased aid from Europe, with some of these funds indirectly supporting Rwanda’s military operations. The lack of condemnation from the West has emboldened Kagame, who has taken advantage of this support to pursue his agenda in Congo and beyond.
In contrast, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has vowed to reclaim Goma and has criticized the West for its leniency towards Rwanda. The international community’s reluctance to hold Kagame accountable can be attributed to lingering guilt over the failure to intervene during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Kagame’s regime, which ended the genocide, has been given leeway due to this historical context, despite concerns over human rights abuses and authoritarian practices.
Recent statements from Western governments, including threats to cut off aid, indicate a shift in their approach towards Rwanda. The UK, a key supporter of Kagame, has joined other nations in demanding a de-escalation of tensions. It is clear that words alone are not enough, and concrete actions must follow to pressure Rwanda to withdraw its support for the M23 rebels and restore peace in the region.
The international community has the leverage to influence Rwanda’s actions, as seen in past instances where pressure led to positive outcomes. By holding Kagame accountable and withholding support, Western nations can play a pivotal role in resolving the conflict in eastern Congo swiftly. It is imperative that the time for appeasing Kagame is over, and decisive action is taken to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
