Goma, DRC is experiencing severe fighting as Rwandan-backed M23 forces seize control of the airport, leading to extensive casualties and humanitarian crises. Over 100 have died and thousands have fled, initiating protests against foreign embassies. International responses emphasize the need for peace talks to prevent further ethnic violence.
Recent clashes in Goma, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have escalated dramatically as armed groups backed by Rwandan forces seized control of the city’s airport. Over three days of intense fighting, more than 100 individuals have lost their lives, and nearly 1,000 have sustained injuries. The Tutsi-led M23 group, allied with Rwandan troops, poses a significant threat to the Congolese army, which has been steadily losing territory in the mineral-rich North Kivu province.
Street-to-street combat has become commonplace, resulting in a scene of devastation throughout Goma, where it remains unclear which factions have control over specific parts of the city. Reports indicate that M23 fighters overtook the airport, and around 1,200 Congolese soldiers have surrendered, now confined to a UN base. This swift offensive marks a troubling escalation in the DRC’s ongoing conflict, rooted in post-genocide complexities.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with hundreds of thousands displaced by violence and in dire need of assistance. Hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed, struggling to accommodate the influx of wounded individuals. Eyewitness accounts describe the horrific conditions, with one refugee noting, “Bombs were falling and killing other people everywhere; we saw dead bodies.”
Protests erupted across the country, particularly in the capital Kinshasa, against various foreign embassies, including those of Rwanda and the United States. The U.S. Embassy advised its citizens to exit the country due to these attacks, which have drawn international condemnation as “unacceptable”. The Red Cross is mobilizing resources to respond to the medical needs arising from this crisis.
The UN has warned that the recent violence threatens to rekindle ethnic tensions reminiscent of the Rwandan genocide, with evidence of targeted lynchings already emerging from displaced persons sites. The DRC government has expressed dissatisfaction with the UN Security Council’s reactions to the escalating crisis. Meanwhile, African Union officials urge the M23 to disarm.
Amidst these developments, Rwanda continues to deny any intent to exploit the DRC’s natural resources. A crisis summit has been announced by Kenya’s government, hoping to mediate discussions between the DRC and Rwandan leadership. The historical context reveals that while M23 briefly occupied Goma in 2012, its resurgence marks a concerning trend in the ongoing conflict in North Kivu.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has a long history of conflict, notably impacted by the Rwandan genocide in 1994, which has left a legacy of violence and instability. Armed groups have frequently emerged, often backed by external forces, leading to territorial disputes and humanitarian crises. Goma, located at the border with Rwanda, serves as a focal point for these ongoing clashes, which further complicate regional dynamics and provoke international concern regarding security and human rights violations. The M23 group first rose to prominence in 2012, briefly capturing Goma before being defeated, only to resurface in late 2021, gaining ground in North Kivu. Continuous failures of ceasefires and peace talks have exacerbated the situation, creating a volatile environment where civilian populations bear the brunt of the conflict. Rwanda’s involvement has raised accusations of resource exploitation, leading to diplomatic tensions and calls for international intervention. As the armed conflict intensifies, any resurgence of ethnic violence poses a significant threat to the stability of both the DRC and the broader region.
The situation in Goma, DRC, remains precarious as armed groups, particularly the M23, continue to exert control amid significant casualties and displacement. The humanitarian crisis is worsening, with hospitals overwhelmed and international actors expressing deep concern over potential ethnic conflicts echoing past violence. Continued diplomatic efforts, including those by the African Union and regional leaders, will be crucial in addressing the immediate needs of the affected populations and restoring stability in the region.
Original Source: www.kulr8.com
