**The situation in Goma worsens as fighting intensifies, leading to displacement and international condemnation.**
**Crisis in DR Congo: President Tshisekedi Avoids Peace Summit Amid Goma Turmoil**
**Crisis in DR Congo: President Tshisekedi Avoids Peace Summit Amid Goma Turmoil**
**In light of escalating violence, DR Congo's President opts out of crucial peace negotiations concerning Goma.**
With reports of heavy fighting in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi has decided not to attend a regional summit aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis in the eastern city, as disclosed by state media. Kenyan President William Ruto had extended the invitation to both Tshisekedi and Rwandan leader Paul Kagame for talks, despite the alarming aftermath of battles that left bodies lining the streets.
The M23 rebel group has significantly escalated its offensive in Goma, seizing control of vital infrastructure including the airport. Allegations against Rwanda persist, asserting its military support for the rebels. While Rwanda denies direct involvement, the Rwandan Defence Force confirmed the surrender of around 280 Romanian mercenaries allied with the DR Congo army to M23 forces.
With Goma seemingly quiet on Wednesday amidst sporadic gunfire, residents cautiously emerged from hiding to procure increasingly scarce food supplies. The UN indicates that clashes have overwhelmed local hospitals and disrupted essential services, including electricity and water supply.
As anger boils among citizens over the foreign intervention and escalating violence, demonstrators have targeted foreign embassies in Kinshasa, leading to multiple incidents of vandalism and looting. The humanitarian situation is dire, with aid groups reporting looted warehouses, exacerbating hardships faced by the population.
Meanwhile, as M23 rebels appear poised to extend their influence towards Bukavu, questions linger about the effectiveness of regional diplomacy and international responses to the conflict, as the humanitarian crisis deepens and stability remains elusive in the region.
The M23 rebel group has significantly escalated its offensive in Goma, seizing control of vital infrastructure including the airport. Allegations against Rwanda persist, asserting its military support for the rebels. While Rwanda denies direct involvement, the Rwandan Defence Force confirmed the surrender of around 280 Romanian mercenaries allied with the DR Congo army to M23 forces.
With Goma seemingly quiet on Wednesday amidst sporadic gunfire, residents cautiously emerged from hiding to procure increasingly scarce food supplies. The UN indicates that clashes have overwhelmed local hospitals and disrupted essential services, including electricity and water supply.
As anger boils among citizens over the foreign intervention and escalating violence, demonstrators have targeted foreign embassies in Kinshasa, leading to multiple incidents of vandalism and looting. The humanitarian situation is dire, with aid groups reporting looted warehouses, exacerbating hardships faced by the population.
Meanwhile, as M23 rebels appear poised to extend their influence towards Bukavu, questions linger about the effectiveness of regional diplomacy and international responses to the conflict, as the humanitarian crisis deepens and stability remains elusive in the region.
