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Tactics Institute condemns the ongoing violence in Congo

The Tactics Institute strongly condemns the capture of Goma by the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) rebel coalition, comprised of the M23 armed group, and urges the immediate halting of hostilities. The taking of the eastern portion of the Democratic Republic of Congo‘s mineral-rich region through the seizure of the country’s largest city represents not just a worsening of an already precarious security situation but also a naked repudiation of international law. The violence has come with a serious civilian casualty record, mass displacement, and worsening humanitarian crises that are threatening stability within the wider Great Lakes region.

The situation in the eastern DRC has turned critical. The capture of Goma by AFC-M23 after their rapid territorial advance in North Kivu has provided alarming evidence of the rapid escalation of conflict in this region. The perpetuation of conflict in the region is fueled by resource exploitation via foreign-backed armed groups, especially in mining towns such as Rubaya.

Reports indicate that over a dozen foreign peacekeepers and North Kivu’s military governor have been killed in recent days, while thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes. Hundreds of wounded children and others cannot be treated. The World Food Programme suspends its food assistance programs for further degradation.

The suspension of bilateral diplomatic ties between DRC and Rwanda and the direct military confrontation testimonies by the government troops of DRC with the troops of Rwanda also creates an increased likelihood of a full-scale regional war. The possibility of a full-scale war between neighboring states is now more than ever threatening peace in Central and East Africa.

The Tactics Institute strongly condemns the reported war crimes that include mass displacement, sexual violence against civilians, and the looting of property by rebel forces. The United Nations has expressed concern regarding the alleged involvement of M23 in illegal rare minerals trading with importance to the global electronics industry. This confirms, through the UN Group of Experts December report, that M23 has indeed greatly increased its territorial control with the help of the RDF, further giving reasons to the suspicions that the internal conflict in the DRC has been externally facilitated.

The seizure of Goma, a city of strategic importance due to its international airport and proximity to Rwanda and Lake Kivu, signals an alarming shift in power dynamics within the region. Moreover, reports of fighters gaining control of a biomedical laboratory in Goma raise fears over the potential spread of diseases like Ebola, further exacerbating the crisis.

The Tactics Institute calls upon the international community, the United Nations, the African Union, and regional stakeholders to take decisive action with immediate effect to curb further escalation. We demand immediate hostilities stoppage by AFC-M23 and all involved armed groups. Mandatory enforces UN sanctions on entities involved in illicit mineral trade funding armed violence. Deployment of further peacekeeping efforts with humanitarian aid support to protect civilians and restore stability within the region.

The continued aggression by M23 and foreign involvement in the conflict violate fundamental international rights and peace agreements, including the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes aimed at stabilizing the DRC. By supporting armed groups engaged in war crimes and territorial expansion, regional actors are fueling a crisis that undermines not only DRC’s sovereignty but also the broader stability of Central and East Africa.

The Tactics Institute demands an immediate end to the hostilities in Goma and calls on all actors to respect international law and engage in diplomatic resolutions. The continued instability and suffering in the eastern DRC must not be allowed to persist. Urgent international intervention is necessary to prevent further loss of life and the outbreak of a wider regional conflict.

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