DRC's Foreign Ministry recalled its diplomats in Kigali and ceased operations in Kinshasa

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced the immediate withdrawal of its diplomats based in Kigali and ordered the termination of the Rwandan Embassy in Kinshasa within 48 hours. This was reported by Actualité on January 25.

It is specified that Kinshasa has formally requested that "all diplomatic and consular activities of the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Kinshasa cease within 48 hours." The Congolese government is also seeking an orderly transition period while respecting diplomatic procedures.

The portal explained that the decision was taken against the backdrop of growing tensions between the two countries. DRC has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has been intensifying its offensives in North and South Kivu provinces.

Earlier on January 23, thousands of people were displaced by the advance of Congolese rebels of the March 23 Movement (M23) near Goma, Reuters reported.

M23 is the latest in a series of rebel groups led by ethnic Tutsis who have risen up against Congolese forces. The group, named after the date of the March 23, 2009 agreement that ended a previous Tutsi rebellion, accuses the government of failing to comply with a peace deal to fully integrate Congolese Tutsis into the army and administration.

In the past three weeks, M23 rebels have launched a new offensive on the town of Goma in eastern DRC. Goma has no electricity, no running water and no cell phone service. The rebels have cut off food and basic necessities to the city from the south.