Schoten can be heard in the center of Goma, the metropolis in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Belgians in Goma are advised to leave the area on their own as long as it is still possible, Foreign Affairs reports. In the meantime, Kinshasa speaks about a “declaration of war” by Rwanda.
On the outskirts of the metropolis of Goma in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, there was again fierce fighting between the Congolese army and the rebel group M23, which is supported by Rwanda. Later in the day Schoten could also be heard in the center of the city.
The FPS Foreign Affairs says that it follows the rapidly evolving situation in and around Goma closely. This is done in close collaboration with the Belgian embassy in Kinshasa. That embassy is in contact with the Belgians on the spot. They are advised to leave the city on its own or to stay in a safe place.
“Declaration of war”
In the meantime, the Congolese Foreign Minister has again accused Rwanda to send troops to the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday. She speaks of a “declaration of war” and demands that the UN Security Council sets sanctions.
The United Nations Security Council gathered in the emergency session on Sunday because of the violence that takes place in Congo. In the east of the country there is currently a fierce battle between the rebel group M23 – which is supported by Rwanda – and the Congolese army. The rebels and 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers have almost completely surrounded the million city of Goma, the capital of the province of North Kivu.
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, invoiced during the emergency session that Rwandan soldiers have again invaded the Congolese territory via two border posts. It is about “an open and deliberate violation of our national sovereignty,” says the minister. “That is a frontal aggression, a declaration of war that can no longer be hidden behind diplomatic artificial handles.”
-UN sources report that 500 to 1,000 Rwandan soldiers would have crossed the border on Sunday to support the rebel group M23.
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner accuses Rwanda of wanting to do a “massacre”. “More than three million citizens and humanitarian care providers are held hostage by the aggressors,” she says. “The fighting must stop immediately. Every hour that passes, our region brings closer to a tragedy of unbearable proportions. “
She asks the UN Security Council to order the withdrawal of the Rwandan troops and to impose economic and political sanctions on Kigali.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had already called on the Rwandan forces on Sunday to withdraw from the east of Congo. It was the first time that Kigali was explicitly pointed out by the UN CEO.
