In response to Rwanda-backed rebels attempting to seize more territory in eastern Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi has called on young people to join the army to combat the rebels. The M23 rebels, supported by thousands of Rwandan troops, have advanced into Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, causing fear and panic among residents.
The rebels are one of over 100 armed groups competing for control in Congo's mineral-rich east, which holds significant mineral deposits essential for global technology. Witnesses reported the rebels advancing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, as the Congolese military faces challenges after foreign military contractors withdrew.
A regional summit urged an immediate ceasefire and encouraged talks between the Congolese government and the rebels. The risk of a regional war has escalated, with tensions rising between Rwanda and South Africa over the conflict. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accused Rwandan forces of causing the death of South African peacekeepers in eastern Congo, drawing a strong response from Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
The M23 rebels, rooted in ethnic conflict dating back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, aim to control Congo's mineral resources. The rebels' determination to establish a lasting presence in eastern Congo poses challenges for peace efforts. Analysts attribute the current crisis to a failure of African mediation and escalating rhetoric between Rwanda and the Congolese government.
