M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have claimed control of Goma in the DRC as government forces collapse amidst ongoing violence. Residents have fled, facing power outages and limited communication. The conflict is rooted in historical tensions post-1994 Rwandan genocide, with the M23 arguing they protect minority groups. Recent escalations have drawn regional and international attention, complicating humanitarian efforts.
In Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, the local government’s forces seem to have collapsed amidst intense conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have claimed control of the city. The sound of artillery was pervasive throughout the city as helicopter gunships engaged in combat, leading residents to flee toward the city center in search of safety.
Residents sheltered in place, with most businesses closed and streets largely deserted. Fighting extended to populated displacement camps on the city’s outskirts, and power outages affected the majority of the over one million inhabitants, complicating efforts to maintain communication with family members amidst the turmoil. Vicky Ushindi, a spice seller, voiced concerns over personal safety, stating, “In this darkness, the rebels could come without us knowing.”
The eastern Congo region has faced conflict for over three decades, stemming significantly from the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The M23, primarily comprising Congolese Tutsi commanders, re-emerged in 2012 and captured Goma that year, only to be subsequently ousted. Recent escalations in violence since late 2021 have allowed M23 to reclaim significant territory in North Kivu province, bordering Rwanda.
The M23 claims to be defending minority groups within Congo, including Tutsis, while international human rights organizations have accused it of committing severe abuses. Following a spike in violence earlier in January, M23 rebels intensified their campaign, capturing territory and directly engaging Congolese forces. On Saturday, the M23 provided a 48-hour ultimatum for the Congolese forces to surrender, as they struggled against an array of pro-government militias and support from UN peacekeepers and European military entities.
A regional military deployment from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi has also been assisting the beleaguered Congolese army, traditionally regarded as weak and corrupt. Fatalities have mounted during this offensive, with six UN peacekeepers and nine soldiers from the regional forces confirmed dead this week. As tensions in Goma increased, the UN evacuated most of its civilian personnel while humanitarian groups reduced their on-the-ground presence, leaving many internally displaced persons without vital support.
Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict is acknowledged by the UN and major global powers, with reports of as many as 4,000 Rwandan troops operating in North Kivu, deploying advanced military technologies to bolster M23’s capabilities. Despite the evidence, Rwanda has repeatedly denied direct engagement in the conflict, attributing the persistent instability in eastern Congo to long-standing issues such as hate speech and discrimination by the Congolese government.
While conflicts rage on the outskirts, artillery fire continued into Sunday evening, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties from gunfire and shelling. Congolese officials remain defiant, asserting a commitment to defending Goma. General Sylvain Ekenge stated, “The war hasn’t started yet. It will start now,” as the situation escalates. Although Congo has recalled its ambassador from Rwanda, it has not initiated a formal declaration of war.
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is deeply rooted in historical grievances dating back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The M23 rebel group emerged as a successor to previous Tutsi-led militias and claims to fight for the protection of minority groups in Congo. Over the years, the instability has drawn in neighboring countries like Rwanda, leading to a complex web of alliances and opposing forces in the ongoing violence across the region.
The situation in Goma marks a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, highlighting the challenges faced by local forces amid powerful rebel groups and foreign involvement. With rising tensions and casualties, the humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by mass displacement and limited assistance. The international community continues to monitor and respond to these developments, emphasizing the need for stability in a region historically plagued by conflict.
Original Source: www.gpb.org
