By Dennis Weche
Germany has suspended a planned meeting with Rwandan officials following allegations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebel group, which has been advancing in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A spokesperson from Germany’s development ministry stated that discussions would only resume if both Rwanda and the rebels took tangible steps to deescalate the violence and withdraw.
The situation in eastern Congo has rapidly worsened, with fierce clashes near the city of Goma leaving over 100 people dead and nearly 1,000 wounded. Hospitals in the region are overwhelmed as casualties continue to mount. The latest offensive has displaced more than 500,000 people in just a few weeks, forcing families into makeshift camps with limited access to food, water, and medical aid.
M23 fighters have reportedly seized control of key areas around Goma, including the city’s international airport, further straining an already dire humanitarian situation. The United Nations has temporarily suspended food assistance in the city due to severe shortages, warning that thousands of displaced people are at risk of starvation. Aid agencies on the ground have raised concerns about the spread of disease, as overcrowded shelters lack basic sanitation.
Meanwhile, diplomatic pressure is increasing. The UN Security Council convened to address the crisis, with world powers strongly condemning the violence. The United States, France, and the United Kingdom have called for an immediate ceasefire and urged Rwanda to halt any alleged involvement in the conflict. Rwanda has denied supporting the M23 rebels, but tensions in the region continue to rise, fueling fears that the conflict could involve neighboring countries.
The M23 rebels claim they are fighting against discrimination and for the rights of Congolese Tutsis, but the Congolese government views their actions as an extension of foreign interference aimed at exploiting the region’s mineral wealth. The fighting has raised concerns about a broader regional war, as military activity along the Rwanda-DRC border continues to intensify.
As international mediation efforts struggle to make headway, civilians remain trapped in the crossfire. With no immediate resolution in sight, the humanitarian toll continues to escalate, and hopes for peace remain uncertain.
