ICRC escorts Congolese soldiers from Goma to Kinshasa amid regional tensions

Hundreds of Congolese soldiers and police officers who sought refuge at the United Nations base in Goma after the city’s capture by M23 rebels are being escorted to Kinshasa by the International Committee of the Red Cross, following an agreement involving Congolese authorities, the U.N., and the M23 alliance. Meanwhile, the Rwandan army is facilitating the withdrawal of Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops from eastern Congo by escorting them through Rwanda to Tanzania, after SADC decided to end its mission in the region. These developments come amid ongoing tensions and complex regional dynamics, with Rwanda denying allegations of backing the M23 rebels and both Congo and Rwanda pledging to pursue a peace deal. The coordinated troop movements highlight efforts to maintain order and promote stability following significant territorial gains by M23 rebels, which have led to mass displacements and casualties. Although violence has subsided, past ceasefire attempts have failed to achieve lasting peace. The situation underscores the challenges of mediation and security cooperation in the region.