M23 rebels have claimed they have seized Goma, prompting panic among residents and escalating military tensions in eastern DRC. The government branded this advance as a “declaration of war” by Rwanda, leading to severed diplomatic ties and impending discussions for peace. International bodies are calling for the withdrawal of foreign forces supporting the rebels as the situation threatens to exacerbate regional instability.
Recent reports indicate that M23 rebels have claimed control over Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This assertion came amidst intense gunfire and violence, with the United Nations (UN) urging an immediate halt to hostilities. Witnesses confirm that the rebels infiltrated the city and urged local military personnel to disarm, exacerbating fears of a wider regional conflict that has plagued the area for decades.
The DRC government responded vehemently, describing the M23’s actions as a “declaration of war” by Rwanda. The UN reported that the capture of Goma has resulted in significant panic among its two million inhabitants. The escalation has compelled thousands to flee their homes and raises alarms regarding a potential resurgence of armed conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, which has experienced extensive instability over a period of over thirty years.
Rwanda’s involvement has been underscored by the DRC cutting diplomatic ties with Kigali and seeking international sanctions. Meanwhile, peace talks have been proposed to halt the conflict, with calls from regional leaders for both nations to engage in dialogue. The emergency meeting organized by the East African Community’s chairman, Kenyan President William Ruto, aims to mediate the ongoing crisis.
Concerns have been raised regarding the presence of Rwandan troops within DRC, with the country’s Foreign Minister stating that this encroachment represents an overt act of aggression. In a stark response, Rwanda has asserted that the violence emanating from its neighbor poses a security threat, necessitating a resolute stance to protect its borders. The UN Security Council has responded to these developments by calling for the withdrawal of foreign forces contributing to the conflict, although explicit references to Rwanda were absent from their statements.
The situation in eastern DRC has long been characterized by a complex web of regional tensions, ethnic disputes, and armed groups vying for control. For over three decades, various militias have operated in the region, fueled by rivalries that often spill across borders, particularly involving Rwanda. The M23 militia has recently re-emerged as a significant threat in this context, claiming to represent certain ethnic interests while allegedly receiving support from Rwanda. The backdrop of international intervention and local governance failures has contributed to one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflicts.
The rebellion by M23 and its subsequent takeover of Goma signify a serious development in the already volatile eastern DRC, provoking drastic responses from both the DRC government and international entities. With regional complexities and foreign involvement escalating, it is imperative for the concerned parties to pursue diplomatic avenues to restore peace and security. The situation remains fluid, with escalating fears of a broader conflict, necessitating urgent humanitarian and international responses.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
