Thousands of prisoners escaped from a torched jail in Goma, DRC, as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels reportedly captured the city. The unrest has caused mass panic among residents, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis as ongoing violence threatens stability in the region.
In a significant upheaval, thousands of prisoners escaped in Goma, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), after it was reported that Rwanda-backed rebels claimed to have seized the city. This mass jailbreak occurred during the early morning hours amidst artillery fire, creating chaos in the key gold mining region. The United Nations indicated that Goma’s two million residents were gripped by mass panic amid the advancing rebel forces.
Witnesses confirmed the presence of the M23 rebel group entering the lakeside city, although the extent of their control remains uncertain. The rebel faction has called for calm among the residents and urged Congolese troops to gather in Goma’s main stadium. The assault in this mineral-rich area poses a serious escalation of one of Africa’s longest ongoing conflicts, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
The conflict has displaced a significant portion of North Kivu’s population, with the DRC government denouncing M23’s advance as an aggressive act by Rwanda. The escalating tensions prompted gunfire across the shared border between DRC and Rwanda on Monday morning. The region, afflicted by decades of violence, sees approximately 100 armed groups competing for lucrative natural resources.
In 2012, the M23 group briefly seized Goma, resurfacing in late 2021 with heightened Rwandan support, which Rwanda has denied. Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, DRC’s foreign minister, accused Rwanda of overt aggression against her country, describing it as a blatant declaration of war. In response, France and other nations have condemned the assaults and expressed solidarity with the DRC.
Amid the conflict, humanitarian conditions are deteriorating sharply, with aids agencies reporting mass evacuations from refugee camps. Dr. Manenji Mangundu from Oxfam highlighted that families have been repeatedly displaced, often lacking immediate support. Recent violence has claimed at least 13 UN peacekeepers, adding to the crisis facing the area.
In an alarming development, over 100 Congolese soldiers reportedly began surrendering in the face of the advancing rebels. Kigali announced that arrangements were being made for the evacuation of UN personnel from Goma, reflecting the critical situation unfolding in the locality.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been embroiled in conflict for decades, exacerbated by various armed groups and foreign involvement. The M23 rebel group, emerging from a complex history, has reignited violence in the mineral-rich eastern region, particularly around Goma. Tensions with Rwanda have escalated, prompting accusations of military support for the rebels, leading to a deterioration of peace and stability in the area, resulting in widespread humanitarian crises and displacements.
The mass prison break in Goma highlights the escalating conflict driven by the M23 rebel group’s offensive, compounded by accusations of Rwandan intervention. With the humanitarian situation worsening, the international community is urged to act to prevent further destabilization and violence in the DRC, as the lives of millions hang in the balance amid ongoing tensions and displacement.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
