The UN reports approximately 3,000 deaths in Goma, DR Congo, following a violent takeover by M23 rebels. Amid ongoing conflict, allegations of Rwandan support for the rebels complicate the situation. Tensions rise as M23 threatens surrounding areas, further deepening the region’s humanitarian crisis.
The United Nations reports that nearly 3,000 individuals have died in Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following its seizure by rebels amid intense conflict with the Congolese army. Vivian van de Perre, deputy head of the UN mission, stated that approximately 2,000 bodies have been retrieved from the streets, with 900 others in local morgues. She warned that this number may escalate as decomposing bodies remain uncollected in various regions of the city.
In light of the humanitarian crisis, the rebel coalition, Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes the M23 group, declared a ceasefire. However, the Congolese government dismissed this as “false communication,” with fighting persisting in South Kivu province. The ongoing violence in DR Congo is deeply rooted in ethnic conflicts and struggles for resource access, contributing to significant humanitarian challenges within the region.
Accusations have been leveled against Rwanda for allegedly supporting the M23 rebels, mainly composed of ethnic Tutsis who defected from the Congolese army ten years ago. Although Rwandan officials refute these claims, they have confirmed their military presence in Congo to ensure national security. M23 has renewed its insurrection since 2022 in North Kivu, claiming to protect the interests of minority communities.
Heavy fighting has erupted near Bukavu, a provincial capital, leading to rising tensions as the M23 threatens to approach further into the region. The UN expressed concern over the safety of Kavumu airport in Bukavu, crucial for humanitarian operations. The AFC maintains that it does not intend to capture Bukavu despite ongoing territorial advancements that have heightened fears of further escalation.
The rebel coalition has set its sights on establishing a new administration in Goma while seeking to expand into South Kivu and beyond, including Kinshasa, which is located over 930 miles away. M23 leader Corneille Nangaa affirmed their objective to reach Kinshasa, indicating a determination to control key territories and consolidate their influence in eastern Congo.
Currently, the situation remains precarious, with Goma under the control of the M23, and the Congolese government yet to officially acknowledge this takeover. The UN highlights the severe human suffering resulting from the conflict, with thousands sheltering at UN peacekeeping bases as the number of displaced civilians rises.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has long been plagued by conflict, particularly in its eastern regions where ethnic tensions and resource disputes have fueled violence for decades. The recent seizure of Goma by the Alliance Fleuve Congo coalition, which includes the M23 armed group, exemplifies the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the nation. This conflict, marked by accusations against Rwanda for supporting the M23, has drawn international attention and highlights the deep-rooted issues within the region.
The intensifying violence in Goma, DR Congo, has resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths, primarily attributed to the conflict between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels. Despite a proclaimed ceasefire, fighting persists, intensifying the humanitarian catastrophe affecting the local population. The rebels’ ambitions to expand their control raise concerns about further destabilization and the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
