Thu Jan 30 22:48:57 IST 2025: ## Congo Faces Major Rebel Offensive, Risks Regional War

**Kinshasa, Congo –** The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a major military offensive by the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, which has captured Goma, the largest city in the country’s restive east. President Félix Tshisekedi has called for a massive military mobilization to counter the rebels, while simultaneously pledging to pursue a peaceful resolution. However, his absence from a regional summit urging dialogue with the rebels raises concerns.

The situation in Goma remains dire, with widespread looting, lack of essential services, and reports of dead bodies in the streets. The U.N. World Food Programme warns that the looting will exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting over 6 million displaced people. The M23 rebels, bolstered by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, are now advancing towards Bukavu, sparking fear among residents.

The Congolese army has been weakened by the withdrawal of foreign military contractors who reportedly surrendered their arms to the rebels. Eyewitnesses describe soldiers abandoning their posts and fleeing. A summit of the East African Community (EAC) has called for an immediate ceasefire and urged dialogue between the DRC government and the M23, but tensions remain high.

Tensions have escalated between Rwanda and South Africa, after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa blamed Rwandan forces for the death of 13 South African peacekeepers. Rwandan President Paul Kagame responded angrily, threatening to retaliate against any South African confrontation.

Analysts believe the conflict is driven by control over the DRC’s vast mineral resources, estimated to be worth $24 trillion. The M23 rebels, who claim to be protecting ethnic Tutsis, appear to be consolidating their control, planning to establish an administration in the occupied territories. The conflict’s roots lie in the 1994 Rwandan genocide and subsequent ethnic tensions. Experts warn that the current situation, marked by aggressive rhetoric from both sides and a failure of African mediation, significantly increases the risk of a wider regional conflict.

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