M23 rebels have seized Goma, Eastern Congo’s largest city, prompting panic among its residents. With Rwanda’s military backing, the rebels have made significant advances, claiming control while the Congolese government denounces the situation as war. The ongoing conflict exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation, with thousands displaced amid violence and accusations of foreign interference.
Rwanda-backed rebels have reportedly captured Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, inciting widespread panic among its two million residents. The M23 rebel group, which led the offensive, set a 48-hour ultimatum for the Congolese army to surrender, leading to the city’s fall. In response, the Congolese government labeled the rebel advance as a “declaration of war.”
The M23 fighters, bolstered by approximately 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops, have been laying siege to Goma, a vital region rich in minerals. The United Nations has expressed alarm over the deteriorating situation, noting that some Congolese armed forces have begun surrendering their arms to UN peacekeepers. Reports indicate large explosions and gunfire in central Goma, coupled with a tragic prison break amid the turmoil.
Corneille Nangaa, leader of the M23, announced that his forces now control Goma and claimed that Congolese soldiers have surrendered. Meanwhile, Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya called for civilian protection, emphasizing the ongoing conflict. The UN Security Council convened to condemn Rwanda’s support for the rebels while while Rwanda dismissed these claims as unproductive.
The eastern DRC is fraught with instability stemming from historical atrocities, including the genocide of 1994. The M23, although defeated in past conflicts, remains active and has recently escalated offensives, capturing significant areas, including lucrative mineral sites. Over one-third of North Kivu’s population is currently displaced due to the ongoing violence and instability.
The M23 rebels argue that their aims are to protect the Tutsi community in Congo. Despite past efforts to disarm, they have engaged in renewed offensives, leading to mass displacements in the region. The UN has reported hundreds of thousands displaced this year alone, alongside millions already impacted by regional conflicts.
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces significant turmoil, particularly in its eastern regions, fueled by the presence of numerous armed groups and foreign-backed rebellions. The M23 rebel group has historical roots dating back to the aftermath of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Since then, there has been a persistent struggle over mineral resources, leading to ongoing violence and humanitarian crises. Currently, the situation in Goma underscores the volatile nature of the conflict and the implications for civilian populations caught in the crossfire.
The capture of Goma by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels signifies a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The situation has prompted mass panic and displacement among civilians, while international entities express concern over regional stability. Authorities emphasize the urgent need for protection of those affected as diplomatic negotiations face heightened tensions. The potential consequences of this conflict demand immediate global attention and action to mitigate further escalation.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
