M23 rebels are advancing toward Goma, prompting military responses from the Congolese army. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian crises with millions displaced. The UN has expressed alarm over the rising hostilities and the implications for regional stability, advocating for an end to violence.

Recent escalations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have alarmed residents of Goma as M23 rebels advance toward the city. In response, Congolese military forces deployed helicopter gunships to repel the advances after the rebels seized several towns earlier. The M23 rebels pose a significant threat due to their control over regions rich in minerals, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 7 million people in the area.

The conflict in eastern Congo, one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, is fueled by over 100 armed groups vying for control, particularly in mineral-rich territories along the Rwandan border. The M23 group, primarily consisting of ethnic Tutsis, has its roots in a previous split from the Congolese army. Accusations have emerged that Rwanda continues to support these rebels, complicating the situation further and raising concerns about regional stability.

The situation in Goma remains precarious, with military actions intensifying amidst claims that M23 is liberating the local population. The United Nations has denounced the renewed hostilities, calling for an immediate cessation of violence due to its devastating impact on civilians and the risk it poses for a more extensive conflict in the region. Continuous monitoring and intervention may be necessary to address this escalating humanitarian crisis.

Original Source: www.dw.com