M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, announced their takeover of Goma, leading to a declared war by the DRC government. The ongoing conflict in the region threatens to escalate humanitarian issues as mass panic ensues among the local population. The international community, including the US and France, urges for ceasefire and withdrawal of support to the rebels.

The M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, has claimed to have seized control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, leading to widespread panic among its 2 million residents. The advance of the rebels prompted the Congolese government to declare a state of war, marking a significant escalation in one of Africa’s protracted conflicts. The M23 issued a statement urging calm among Goma’s citizens, while also demanding that Congolese military personnel surrender their weapons or face forceful confrontation.

The situation in eastern DRC has been compounded by a long-standing conflict characterized by various armed groups vying for control, particularly over the resource-rich regions. The M23, primarily composed of Tutsis, originated from earlier conflicts and had previously captured Goma in 2012. Diplomatic tensions with Rwanda have intensified, as Congo accuses it of backing the M23, an assertion denied by Kigali. The humanitarian crisis is worsening, as the fighting has displaced large numbers of civilians, particularly in North Kivu province.

The capture of Goma by M23 rebels marks a critical turning point in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, raising alarm among local and international stakeholders. As the humanitarian crisis deepens and diplomatic relations deteriorate, the potential for further violence and displacement looms. Calls for ceasefire from international actors highlight the urgent need to stabilize the situation and protect civilians caught in the turmoil.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr