Photo : Reuters/BBC
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : Reuters/BBC
IN BRIEF
by Apoorva Sudhakar
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Thousands protest against Rwanda’s alleged support to M23
On 31 October, thousands took to the streets of Goma to protest against Rwanda’s alleged support to M23 rebels following Kinshasa’s recalling of its interim acting ambassador in Kigali. Al Jazeera quoted a civil society representative from the protests: We denounce the hypocrisy of the international community in the face of Rwanda’s aggression.” The development comes after M23 rebels two towns along a highway leading to Goma. Previously, on 29 October, the Democratic Republic of the Congo ordered the Rwandan ambassador to Kinshasa to leave the country within 48 hours. (“Thousands join anti-Rwanda protests in DR Congo’s Goma,” Al Jazeera, 31 October 2022)
Democratic Republic of the Congo: UN chief concerned over uptick in violence
On 31 October, a statement from the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over the surge in violence in the east between government troops and M23 rebels. Guterres called for immediate de-escalation of violence and ensured continued support to the mediation. He urged the M23 to disarm unconditionally and respect the DRC’s sovereignty. On 29 October, two UN peacekeepers were injured during attacks in North Kivu. The UN Mission in the DRC, known as the MONUSCO, condemned the attack and outlined that they may amount to war crimes. (“DR Congo: Guterres ‘deeply concerned’ by resurgence of fighting between Government troops and M23,” UN News, 31 October 2022)