Fighting in Goma intensifies as Congolese forces confront M23 militia and Rwandan troops. Civilians are caught in the crossfire, with over 400,000 displaced. International concern rises as the conflict worsens, with a crisis summit on the horizon. Historical tensions between DRC and Rwanda complicate the situation, leading to fears of a regional conflict.
Heavy fighting erupted in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as Congolese forces confronted militia troops and Rwandan soldiers on Monday. Gunfire and artillery echoed throughout the city, raising fears after the M23 group and Rwandan military entered the city center. Local civilians expressed terror, with one resident, Lucie, stating, “We can hear the shooting outside our homes; we cannot leave.” The conflict escalated as M23 fighters claimed a significant takeover of Goma, issuing demands for the Congolese military to disarm.
International concerns have intensified, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressing solidarity with the DRC as the situation worsens. The ongoing warfare has generated a humanitarian crisis, resulting in over 400,000 displaced people within the region. The DRC government reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians as the M23 proclaims victory, marking the event as a day of liberation.
The M23 forces, alongside 3,500 Rwandan troops, swiftly advanced into Goma overnight, prompting immediate confrontations with local military units. A recent mass jailbreak led to additional chaos and fatalities, while gunfire was reported as residents celebrated the M23’s entry. Tensions reproduced at the border, with exchanges between Congolese and Rwandan forces occurring, as a tragic incident left five civilians deceased in Rwanda, further complicating the region’s stability.
A crisis summit is scheduled, with leaders from both Rwanda and the DRC set to discuss the alarming developments. This diplomatic intervention occurs amid a backdrop of increased hostility between the DRC and Rwanda, with accusations from Kinshasa directed towards Kigali for allegedly seeking control of the DRC’s mineral resources. The United Nations is also involved, with calls for sanctions against foreign interventions fueling the conflict.
As military engagements persist, neither side shows signs of withdrawal. The DRC’s Foreign Minister condemned the presence of Rwandan troops in Goma as a “declaration of war,” while the Rwandan government maintains that their involvement is defensive. With historical tensions resurfacing, both sides seem entrenched in their positions, causing a deepening crisis in the region.
The current violence in Goma represents an escalation of a long-standing conflict in eastern DRC exacerbated by regional dynamics. The M23 armed group, which emerged in 2021 after a period of dormancy, reignited tensions by capturing portions of North Kivu province. Goma, a city hosting over one million people, has faced ongoing conflicts for decades, often with external forces implicated. The DRC and Rwanda have shared a turbulent history, particularly since the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, contributing to persistent hostilities and humanitarian crises which have deeply affected local populations.
The ongoing conflict in Goma epitomizes the complex interplay of local uprisings and international relations that have characterized eastern DRC’s struggles for decades. With escalating military engagement, humanitarian issues, and deepening diplomatic rivalries, the situation calls for urgent international attention to prevent further deterioration. The anticipated crisis summit may provide a platform for de-escalation, yet the entrenched positions of the involved parties suggest that resolution may remain elusive without significant external mediation.
Original Source: www.cbs19news.com
