Rwanda troops reinforce M23 militia ahead of UN crisis talks on Goma
Intelligence sources indicate that a battle for the Congolese regional capital Goma is imminent as large numbers of soldiers from Rwanda have crossed into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to assist rebels in seizing the city before emergency UN talks scheduled for Monday.
The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is reported to have secretly infiltrated eastern DRC over recent days to support a rapid offensive by the M23 militia. Anonymity was requested by officials who shared these details with the Observer.
Significant troop concentrations have been noted on the Rwandan side of the border, just a few hundred metres from central Goma. Additionally, many of the RDF's senior commanders are believed to be stationed in Gisenyi, which is less than a mile from Goma.
According to a source with in-depth knowledge of the RDF, "The Rwandan army is lined up at the border, ready to invade."
Throughout Saturday, fierce skirmishes occurred on Goma's outskirts, resulting in the deaths of three South African peacekeepers who were defending the city.
Fighting has come alarmingly close to Goma, with reports suggesting it reached as far as Nzulo, nearly within the city limits. The conflict bypasses extensive refugee camps housing over a million displaced individuals.
However, Congolese army sources noted that a major offensive by the Rwandan-backed M23 was repelled overnight.
A senior intelligence source commented, "Goma's defences are just about holding out, but they [Rwanda] want to take Goma before the UNSC [UN Security Council]."
The UN Security Council is set to convene an emergency meeting on Monday to address the escalating crisis.
In 2012, when M23 initially captured Goma, the militia quickly retreated after facing intense international pressure on Rwanda to withdraw support. This time, intelligence suggests that Rwanda seeks to secure control of Goma before the West can formulate an effective response.
The capture of Goma would depend on M23 units effectively breaching the city's defences, overpowering the Congolese army, and taking control of the major city located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu.
Prior to the recent influx, UN experts estimated that approximately 4,000 RDF soldiers were already present within the Congo.
Furthermore, sources indicated Rwanda's ambitions may extend beyond Goma, with intentions to seize Bukavu, located at the southern tip of Lake Kivu.
The M23 insurgency in DRC's mineral-rich eastern region has escalated over the past year, with rebels acquiring substantial territory. Recently, M23 captured Minova, a critical town along a major supply route for Goma, followed by Sake, which is only 12 miles from the city and was previously a primary defensive location against M23.
These developments pose significant threats to food and essential supply access to Goma.
Clémentine de Montjoye from Human Rights Watch emphasised the dire situation, stating, "The situation in Goma is extremely dire – reports indicate ongoing fighting on the northern and western fronts of the city, alongside severe water and power shortages."
With many civilians seeking refuge in Goma, it is crucial for pressure to be exerted on all parties to protect civilian lives and humanitarian access, including essential facilities like hospitals.
Analysts have voiced concerns over the West's reactions to this crisis, particularly the UK, US, and France's perceived closeness with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has faced criticism regarding his administration's actions.
The EU released a statement urging Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 and withdraw its troops.
The Rwandan government, which denies backing M23, had not responded to these allegations by the time of publication.
