Synopsis
Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will not attend a crucial crisis meeting led by Kenyan President William Ruto concerning the ongoing security issues in eastern DRC. The absence arises amid tensions due to M23 rebel advancements in the region, particularly in Goma.Key Takeaways
- Tshisekedi absent from EAC meeting.
- Security concerns escalate in eastern DRC.
- M23 rebels claim control of Goma.
- Rwanda and DRC relations are tense.
- UN sources report gunfire in Goma.
Kinshasa, Jan 29 (NationPress) - Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), will be absent from the crisis meeting organized by his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto on Wednesday, concerning the security challenges in eastern DRC, as reported by local media citing sources from the presidential office.
Giscard Kusema, the Deputy Director of the communication unit of the presidential office, stated, “President Felix Tshisekedi is closely monitoring the developments in the eastern region of the country. However, he is not slated to attend the meeting convened by President William Ruto.”
On Monday, Ruto revealed that, in light of the escalating situation in eastern DRC, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Tshisekedi had agreed to join an extraordinary summit of the East African Community (EAC) on Wednesday. Relations between the two nations are strained due to the advances made by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group in eastern DRC. The M23 has asserted control over Goma, the capital of the North Kivu province and a key regional center.
The DRC has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, while Rwanda has refuted these claims, instead alleging that the Congolese military is providing support to remnants of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a group linked to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
As of Wednesday morning, the situation in Goma remained uncertain, with reports of gunfire. Sources from the UN peacekeeping mission indicated that Goma's border with Rwanda was reopened early in the morning, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Additional reports suggested that Tshisekedi is anticipated to address the nation later on Wednesday.
