U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stern warning to Rwandan President Paul Kagame, expressing deep concern over the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). During a phone call on Tuesday, Rubio emphasized that the United States is "deeply troubled" by the recent fall of Goma, a key city in the region, to the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group. He called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to respect the territorial integrity of the DRC. The State Department reiterated that the U.S. is committed to achieving a lasting peace that addresses security concerns and fosters regional economic stability.
The conflict has reached a critical point, with the M23 militia consolidating control over Goma, forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee. Experts allege that Rwanda is funding the M23, despite Kigali's denials. The crisis has drawn international attention, with the U.S. urging the United Nations Security Council to consider measures to halt the offensive by Rwandan troops and M23 rebels. The situation has also sparked protests in Kinshasa, where angry demonstrators targeted the Rwandan and U.S. embassies, highlighting the growing humanitarian toll of the violence.
The tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have intensified, with Congo accusing Rwanda of sending troops across the border, while Rwanda claims the fighting threatens its security. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also engaged with both nations' leaders to address the crisis, which has already claimed the lives of several UN peacekeepers.
