International Pressure Grows for Peace Talks as Violence Escalates in Goma, DR Congo
Pressure Builds for Ceasefire and Peace Negotiations as Fighting Intensifies in Goma
- International calls for peace talks are intensifying.
- The fate of Goma, an important economic and trading hub, remains uncertain
- The African Union is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting later on Tuesday to address the situation.
Amid the escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s key city of Goma, international calls for peace talks are intensifying.
The fate of Goma, an important economic and trading hub, remains uncertain, with UN officials describing the situation as chaotic as fighting persists in parts of the city.
While a Congolese government official has stated that the army controls most of the regional capital, M23 rebels claim otherwise. At least 17 people have been reported dead and nearly 400 others wounded in the ongoing clashes.
On Tuesday, South Africa confirmed the death of four more soldiers stationed in DR Congo as part of peacekeeping efforts, raising the total number of South African casualties to 13. Malawi and Uruguay have also suffered the loss of peacekeepers.
In response to the growing crisis, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke with Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Monday, agreeing on the urgent need for a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks.
The African Union is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting later on Tuesday to address the situation.
Meanwhile, DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi convened a meeting late on Monday with leaders of various state institutions to assess the developments in Goma.
Vital Kamerhe, the speaker of the National Assembly, assured that government forces and pro-government militia, Wazalendo, continue to hold certain positions in the city.
