Congolese President Snubs Peace Talks Amid Goma Crisis.

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, has reportedly declined to participate in regionally brokered peace talks aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis in the eastern city of Goma. The city has been under heavy attack from rebel groups, particularly the M23, which has seized significant portions of the city, including its airport.

The peace talks, initiated by Kenyan President William Ruto, were meant to bring together leaders from the DRC, Rwanda, and other neighboring nations in a bid to end the escalating violence in Goma. A virtual summit was scheduled, with invitations extended to both President Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. However, Tshisekedi’s absence at the talks has raised concerns about the willingness of key leaders to engage in dialogue over the crisis.

The situation in Goma has become dire, with reports indicating that corpses are strewn across the streets following intense clashes between the M23 rebels and government forces. The M23, an armed group that has been operating in the region for years, has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda. These allegations have sparked tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, with both countries accusing each other of fueling the violence.

In a recent development, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) reported that approximately 280 Romanian mercenaries who had been fighting on the side of the DRC’s military forces had surrendered to the M23 rebels. This has raised further questions about foreign involvement in the conflict and the complexities surrounding the ongoing war.

The failure of key leaders to attend peace talks has deepened the uncertainty about the prospects for a resolution in Goma and the broader region, as the humanitarian crisis continues to unfold.

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