In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the M23 movement announced the capture of the city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. Monday’s fighting left 17 dead and nearly 370 injured, according to hospital sources. However, the situation on the ground remains confused and causes concern beyond the borders of the DRC. On 28.01.25, the African Union Peace and Security Council convened an emergency meeting.
The conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo is beginning to have its consequences for Rwanda. Germany announced that it had “suspended” discussions with Rwanda on its development aid on Tuesday.
Germany plans to take new targeted sanctions against people close to Rwandan President Paul Kagame to force him to stop all support for the M23.
“We could also suspend all aid,” says Ciaran Wrons-Passmann. “For example, the financing, within the framework of the European facilitation for peace, of Rwandan troops engaged in Mozambique. Aid that was only authorized last December. We could freeze it. Germany could also think about measures on bilateral aid. Finally, there is also the mediation of Angola for negotiations under the aegis of the African Union. Germany could invest more in this.”
Many people have been forced to flee Goma due to the fighting. The health situation in the region is worrying according to the UN and MSF. Image : Constantin Leclerc/DW
The condition: That Kigali and its M23 allies withdraw their forces from eastern DRC.