M23 rebels have captured Goma, DR Congo’s largest city, amid gunfire, prompting UN calls for an end to the offensive. DRC officials decry the advance as a “declaration of war” by Rwanda. Witnesses report armed rebels entering the city, leading to massive panic among residents and heavy displacement. The situation escalates as diplomatic ties with Rwanda are severed and urgent international mediation efforts are sought.
M23 rebels have reportedly seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), amidst ongoing gunfire. The United Nations Security Council had previously called for an end to the hostilities, creating a tense backdrop as the rebels made their announcement early on Monday. According to DRC officials, this offensive represents a “declaration of war” by Rwanda, with the United Nations noting that Goma’s two million residents have been thrown into a state of panic due to the conflict’s escalation.
Witnesses have confirmed seeing rebels enter Goma’s center, with some recording the moment armed fighters marched through the streets. In the face of this aggressive advance, the M23 demanded the Congolese forces surrender their weapons shortly before the deadline expired. The violence has already displaced thousands in the mineral-rich eastern regions of the DRC, intensifying concerns over a resurgence of wider regional warfare.
Battles between M23 insurgents, the Congolese army, and UN peacekeeping forces have raged outside Goma for several days. This struggle reflects the persistent instability faced by the eastern DRC, a region characterized by longstanding ethnic and political tensions. As officials detail the situation’s precariousness, the DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians, indicating that the nation is currently in a war situation.
In response to the M23’s advances, the DRC severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda and has called for international sanctions against it. The Kenyan government subsequently facilitated an agreement for a summit between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The aim is to de-escalate tensions, as conveyed by Kenyan President William Ruto’s appeal for both leaders to embrace peaceful resolutions amid increasing international concern.
In an emergency UN Security Council meeting, DRC diplomats warned of an increase in Rwandan troop incursions, labeling the situation as a “frontal assault” and a blatant disregard of the DRC’s sovereignty. Conversely, Rwandan officials dismissed these claims as unconstructive, attributing the recent surge of violence to actions by Kinshasa. They clarified that Rwandan troops remain necessary to safeguard their national security, as conflicts close to the border pose threats to Rwanda’s territory.
Meanwhile, UN experts estimate that Rwanda has supported the M23 with the deployment of 3,000 to 4,000 soldiers alongside considerable weaponry. A recent UNSC statement has called for the withdrawal of these foreign forces, yet it notably refrains from directly naming them. Following this, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the Rwandan government to withdraw its troops from the DRC, a call that has so far been rejected by Kigali. Tragically, the ongoing clashes have already resulted in the deaths of several foreign peacekeepers.
The declaration of war and ensuing conflict between M23 rebels and the Congolese government highlights the longstanding tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This region has faced decades of instability due to ethnic divisions, regional rivalries, and armed militia activity, compounding one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The involvement of Rwanda complicates the situation further, raising alarms over potential broader regional warfare as civilians bear the brunt of these skirmishes.
The situation in Goma reflects a dangerous escalation in the conflict involving M23 rebels, the Congolese government, and Rwandan influence. With UN calls for peace overshadowed by increasing tensions and military activity, the risk of a renewed regional conflict looms large. Urgent diplomatic engagement is needed to address the humanitarian impact on civilians and restore stability.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
