Congolese president snubs peace talks over Goma crisis

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, will not participate in regionally mediated talks aimed at resolving the ongoing rebel assault on the strategic eastern city of Goma, according to state media reports.

Kenyan President William Ruto had extended an invitation to both Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame for a regional summit scheduled for Wednesday, as Goma was left strewn with bodies following intense clashes.

Rwanda is accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has seized control of much of Goma, including its airport.

Additionally, around 280 Romanian mercenaries fighting alongside the DR Congo military have reportedly surrendered to M23, according to the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on X.

Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo informed the BBC that Rwanda will participate in the summit, though she did not confirm whether President Kagame would attend.

The UN has provided substantial evidence that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebels, although Rwanda denies offering direct military assistance.

What is the conflict in DR Congo about?
Evidence of Rwanda’s involvement with rebels in DR Congo
Goma remained mostly calm on Wednesday, with reports of sporadic gunfire in some districts. Residents, who had been sheltering in safe areas, began venturing out to buy food, which has become increasingly scarce due to the ongoing fighting.

M23 rebels are reportedly advancing towards Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern DR Congo, in an effort to expand their territorial control, according to five diplomatic and security sources, though the BBC has not been able to verify this.

The official news agency of DR Congo reported that President Tshisekedi will not attend the heads of state summit organized by Kenya’s president, who is also the chair of the East African Community (EAC). The reason for his decision was not provided.

Since the start of the week, clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese army, along with its allies, have overwhelmed hospitals and left bodies in the streets, according to the UN. Aid agencies report that warehouses containing food and medical supplies have been looted, and essential services like electricity, water, and internet have been cut off.

Amid growing anger over the ongoing rebel offensive, protesters in Kinshasa targeted foreign embassies, demanding international intervention to end the assault. At least 10 embassies were damaged and looted as M23 tightened its control over Goma.

Rwanda’s military stated that Romanian mercenaries had been transported to Kigali after they surrendered to M23 following the capture of Goma. However, a UN peacekeeper told the BBC that the mercenaries had initially sought refuge at a UN base in Goma before being evacuated to Rwanda.

Romania’s foreign ministry confirmed that over 250 private military contractors had been working in DR Congo as part of a military training mission. They were engaged in securing key locations, such as the airport, and manning checkpoints on Goma’s outskirts.

One Romanian mercenary, identified only as Emile, explained that their mission was to train and assist with artillery, not to engage in direct combat. Despite the violence, he expressed relief at returning to his family after the evacuation.

The conflict continues to escalate, with DR Congo's government having contracted two private military companies, including the Romanians, to help counter the M23 insurgents.