Hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have dimmed after President Félix Tshisekedi refused to join regionally mediated talks aimed at halting the advance of M23 rebels in Goma.
Kenyan President William Ruto had called for a virtual summit on Wednesday, inviting Tshisekedi and Rwandan leader Paul Kagame to discuss the escalating situation. However, the DRC leader declined, with state media confirming his absence without providing a reason.
Meanwhile, fighting continues to devastate Goma, where rebel forces have seized key positions, including the airport. Accusations of Rwandan backing for M23 persist, with the United Nations citing strong evidence of Kigali’s involvement—an allegation Rwanda denies.
The unrest has left streets littered with bodies, hospitals overwhelmed, and residents struggling with severe shortages of food, electricity, and clean water.
In a dramatic development, Rwanda’s military claimed that 280 Romanian mercenaries assisting DRC forces had surrendered to M23 rebels.
However, conflicting reports emerged, with a UN official stating that the fighters had instead sought refuge at a peacekeeping base before being transferred to Rwanda.
Romania’s foreign ministry described the group as private military contractors involved in a training mission for the Congolese army.
The deepening conflict has fuelled outrage in Kinshasa, where protesters have stormed foreign embassies, demanding stronger international intervention.
At least ten diplomatic missions were ransacked in demonstrations driven by anger over the deteriorating security situation. Reports also suggest that M23 forces may be pushing towards Bukavu, a major eastern city, raising fears of a broader offensive.
With Goma slipping further out of government control and diplomatic efforts faltering, the region faces an increasingly uncertain and volatile future.
