The M23 militia, backed by Rwanda, has captured Goma, instilling fear among the displaced populace. This marks a significant escalation in the protracted conflict in eastern Congo, amid reports of continued violence. M23 was previously defeated in Goma in 2012 but appears to be now seeking long-term control of the region’s mineral wealth, raising concerns for local civilians and regional stability.
A rebel group known as M23, supported by Rwanda, has claimed the capture of Goma, a crucial city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This significant development has instilled fear among the local populace, many of whom fled to Goma as a refuge from advancing rebels. M23 has previously occupied the city in 2012 before being defeated, but it has now returned with an apparent intent to secure a lasting foothold in the region to exploit its rare mineral resources.
In a statement released via social media platform X, a spokesperson for M23 declared the “liberation of the city of Goma,” asserting that Congolese military personnel were compelled to surrender their arms to the United Nations and gather in a stadium by 3 a.m. However, there were unverified reports of ongoing gunfire, raising doubts about the situation’s stability. The eastern Congo conflict, which began in the 1990s, has involved numerous armed groups and is recognized as one of Africa’s most protracted conflicts, with M23 currently in a position of dominance.
The M23 militia represents a resurgence of conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, an area rich in mineral resources but plagued by instability. The group briefly captured Goma previously in 2012 and has since laid dormant. The current upheaval is part of a broader historical context of violent struggles in the region, often attributed to various militia movements and foreign interventions, particularly from Rwanda. This situation is compounded by the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by displaced individuals fleeing violence.
The recent declaration by M23 of capturing Goma marks a notable escalation in an enduring conflict between armed groups and state forces in eastern Congo. The implications of this event extend beyond military victory, potentially affecting the local population’s safety and the region’s stability. International observers will watch how this situation unfolds, particularly concerning the control over lucrative mineral resources and the humanitarian impacts on the civilians who have sought refuge in the city.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
