Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have strengthened their control over Goma, causing significant casualties and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. Despite calls for ceasefire from the international community, tensions remain high as M23 continues to threaten further advances. The local population faces dire conditions, with limited access to food, medical supplies, and basic services amidst ongoing violence.
Rwanda-supported M23 rebels have expanded their influence over Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This shift represents a significant setback for the Congolese military and exacerbates an ongoing conflict that has resulted in numerous casualties and displacements over the years. Following multiple days of intense clashes, M23 fighters entered Goma and asserted control, leading to over 100 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries among the local population.
Instances of sporadic violence continue in northern Goma, although the main fighting has lessened. Bertrand Bisimwa, the political leader of M23, reassured that the group seeks to stabilize Goma and ensure the safety of its residents. Local reports indicate that M23 fighters, alongside Rwandan troops, now control key city areas, including the airport, with daily life severely disrupted as markets remain empty.
Despite initial reports of reduced violence, tensions linger, with M23 continuing to threaten neighboring regions. Vincent Karega, Rwanda’s regional ambassador, stated the group intends to push deeper into the DRC unless meaningful dialogue occurs with the Kinshasa government. M23’s advance appears unimpeded due to the limited capabilities of DRC’s military, raising concerns of a broader conflict as M23 gains ground.
The humanitarian situation in Goma has become dire due to increased violence. The United Nations and various relief agencies have expressed alarm over potential mass displacements, food shortages, and disease outbreaks. Medecins Sans Frontieres reported that armed groups have looted medical supplies critical for treating the wounded, further straining medical resources as violence escalates.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian access to provide necessary aid to affected civilians. As hostilities continue, even basic necessities such as food and clean water are at risk, exacerbating the crisis. The M23 is among numerous armed groups in eastern DRC, with accusations against Rwanda regarding support for these factions lingering despite denials from Kigali.
Under pressure from the United States and European nations, calls for a ceasefire are growing. Recent discussions between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasized the critical need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has opted out of a summit on the crisis, preferring to address the nation directly, indicating the seriousness of the ongoing situation.
Residents of Goma have begun fleeing to neighboring areas in search of safety, creating a humanitarian crisis further complicated by electrical outages and disrupted communications. The International Crisis Group has stressed the necessity of negotiations to prevent a resurgence of widespread violence reminiscent of the late 1990s and early 2000s in the region. A proposed compromise might involve M23 withdrawing from Goma to facilitate peace talks.
The conflict involving the M23 group in the DRC is a complex issue rooted in historical ethnic tensions and the struggle for control over resources. The March 23 Movement emerged in 2012 due to perceived inequities and mistreatment of Tutsis within the DRC, leading to intermittent conflicts between various armed factions and the Congolese government. The involvement of Rwanda in supporting M23 has been a contentious point, with accusations emerging against the Rwandan government, which they have consistently denied. As the situation evolves, both regional and international actors have been called upon to facilitate dialogue and promote stability in the region, which has a long history of violence and suffering.
In summary, the recent escalation of violence in Goma due to the advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has created a humanitarian crisis with severe implications for local civilians. The blockade of essential services and the threat of further territorial expansion by M23 necessitate urgent international attention and intervention. Calls for ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations highlight the pressing need to resolve the conflict to avert further humanitarian disasters in this historically troubled region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
