Troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have reportedly exchanged fire along their shared border in the eastern city of Goma, according to two United Nations sources on Monday.
The clashes occur amidst an offensive by M23 rebels, who are reportedly backed by Rwanda.
On Sunday, M23 rebels claimed they had captured Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, following a swift advance that forced thousands to flee and raised fears of a broader regional conflict, Reuters reported.
This escalation has deepened an already dire humanitarian crisis in a region scarred by two devastating wars between 1996 and 2003.
The Congolese government, alongside U.N. officials and Western powers, including the United States, has accused neighbouring Rwanda of exacerbating the conflict by deploying thousands of troops and heavy weaponry in support of M23.
France has expressed its solidarity and condemned actions by Rwanda in the country.
“France strongly condemns the offensive led by the M23, backed by the Rwandan armed forces, which has led to the death of six peacekeepers and the displacement of several thousand people. Fighting must stop and dialogue resume,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday.
Rwanda, however, denies supporting the M23 rebels. Kigali insists its actions are defensive and accuses Congo of collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia responsible for attacks on Tutsis in both countries.
Rwanda has a long history of military involvement in Congo, having invaded alongside Uganda in 1996 and 1998, citing self-defence against local militias.
