The UN Chief urges Rwanda to retract troops supporting M23 rebels advancing toward Goma, escalating fighting in eastern DRC. International casualties have heightened humanitarian fears as thousands flee the city, intensifying the already severe crisis in the region.
The United Nations Secretary General has called for Rwanda to cease its support of M23 rebels and withdraw its troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The advance of M23 rebels towards Goma is prompting mass displacement, with thousands fleeing the city’s imminent danger. Several soldiers from international missions have lost their lives amid intensifying clashes between government forces and the rebels, sparking urgent concern over the humanitarian impact.
International peacekeepers are engaged in combat alongside the Congolese military to stem the advances of the rebels. However, reports indicate that Goma faces imminent threat as fighting escalates, contradicting previous assertions by the South African National Defense Force that M23 militants had been repelled. Aid agencies express grave concerns about the humanitarian crisis growing from this conflict, impacting the lives of countless civilians.
As the M23 rebels continue their advance, the UN’s Bintu Keita indicated that they had infiltrated areas near Goma, creating widespread panic among the population. Since the start of the offensive on January 23, an estimated several hundred thousand individuals have fled, with shelter facilities for the displaced overwhelmed and emptied in mere hours. The humanitarian coordinator noted the urgent need for assistance as the situation deteriorates.
In response to the escalating violence, Secretary General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the need for the M23 to halt its hostile actions and for Rwanda to withdraw its military support. He condemned the ongoing offensive and advances toward Goma, reiterating the UN’s concerns about the humanitarian fallout and the escalating violence in the region. The M23, consisting primarily of ethnic Tutsis, has been accused of being supported by Rwandan forces, a situation that has raised international alarms about regional stability.
The DRC has been embroiled in conflicts involving various rebel groups for decades, often exacerbated by regional dynamics and foreign interventions. The M23 rebels, initially formed a decade ago, have been a significant source of instability in eastern DRC, particularly around strategic areas such as Goma. Their resurgence has raised alarms within the international community, especially regarding the alleged involvement of neighboring Rwanda, which has long been accused of supporting these armed factions. The ongoing conflict poses serious humanitarian challenges, forcing mass displacements amid violence and insecurity.
The situation in eastern DRC remains dire as M23 rebels threaten Goma, prompting a humanitarian crisis with mass civilian displacement. The UN’s call for Rwanda to withdraw its troops underscores the complexity of regional conflicts and the necessity of international pressure to stabilize the area. With ongoing casualties among peacekeeping forces and deepening humanitarian concerns, the international community faces a critical moment to address these issues effectively.
Original Source: www.dw.com
