
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Rwandan President Paul Kagame to agree to an immediate ceasefire in eastern Congo, as Washington expresses deep concern over the worsening conflict and the fall of Goma to Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.
Why It Matters
The U.S. is pushing the United Nations Security Council to take action to halt Rwanda’s military involvement and M23’s offensive, warning of further regional instability. The rebel takeover of Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, marks the worst escalation of violence in over a decade.
What Washington Says
“The Secretary urged an immediate ceasefire in the region, and for all parties to respect sovereign territorial integrity,” the U.S. State Department said. Rubio emphasized that Washington is “deeply troubled” by the situation, particularly Rwanda’s role in M23’s advance.
The Bigger Picture
Kinshasa has accused Kigali of deploying troops across the border, while Rwanda claims fighting near its territory poses a security threat. Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has spoken with both the Congolese and Rwandan presidents as tensions continue to rise.
The violence has already claimed the lives of several U.N. peacekeepers, raising fears of a broader conflict.