Reuters reported the severing of diplomatic relations between Congo and Rwanda
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is severing diplomatic relations with Rwanda and withdrawing its diplomats from there. This was reported by Reuters on January 25.
It is noted that the decision was taken because of the escalation of the conflict in the east. Nine peacekeepers of South Africa were killed in Congo by rebels supported by Rwanda.
Shortly before that, 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.
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.
