M23 rebels, with Rwandan support, captured Goma and assured residents of safety during a rally. Nangaa declared the city safe and ordered schools to reopen, despite ongoing military actions. The U.N. criticized the ceasefire as insincere amid reports of continued fighting, raising concerns for displaced populations. Malawi’s President announced troop withdrawal in response to the ceasefire declaration.
GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — The M23 rebels, who recently overtook the eastern city of Goma with Rwandan military support, are attempting to reassure local residents by organizing a rally at the city stadium. During this event, M23’s political leader, Corneille Nangaa, promised the citizens safety, stability, and the return of displaced individuals to their homes, emphasizing that the city had been “liberated and sanitized” under their administration.
Nangaa encouraged residents to feel secure and announced that schools would reopen and state officials would return to work starting next week. However, despite the declared ceasefire following M23’s capture of Goma, the rebels continued to advance, recently taking control of an additional town known for its mineral resources. This contradicts their claims of having halted territorial expansion.
The United Nations has criticized the ceasefire as insincere, citing ongoing conflicts between Congolese forces and the M23 in various parts of the eastern region. In the meantime, humanitarian organizations are concerned about the wellbeing of displaced populations, as Goma previously served as a crucial support center for millions affected by conflict.
Local resident Emmanuel Kakule expressed skepticism regarding assurances given by the rebels, stating, “I came to listen to their project. I don’t know if I’m convinced. … We’re still afraid.” In addition, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera announced preparations for withdrawing Malawian peacekeeping troops following the rebel’s ceasefire declaration, without specifying a timeline for their exit.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, particularly involving the M23 rebel group, has its roots in longstanding tensions fueled by political instability, territorial disputes, and the struggle for control of valuable natural resources. Over 6 million individuals have been displaced due to these conflicts, and Goma has historically acted as a humanitarian hub. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as foreign military support complicates local dynamics and impacts regional security.
The recent actions of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in Goma highlight a complicated and volatile situation in eastern Congo, raising questions about safety and governance. Despite assurances provided to residents, skepticism remains high among locals. The situation is further complicated by the international community’s response and the fate of peacekeeping forces exposed to danger in this turbulent region.
Original Source: apnews.com
