M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, release captured Romanian mercenaries in Goma, where they have taken control of the city amidst ongoing battles with the Congolese army. Local sentiment is mixed, with expressions of fear and uncertainty about the future. M23 denies Rwandan support amidst international scrutiny while humanitarian concerns for local civilians persist.
The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have recently released captured Romanian mercenaries who fought alongside the Congolese army. Observations near Goma, at the site of the largest UN peacekeeping mission, reveal remnants of fierce battles, such as discarded military gear from Congolese troops. M23 has gained control of Goma, a critical city, following disputes over a border post leading to the seizing of resource-rich territories.
As the rebels assert their dominance, local residents express unease about the changes, indicating that their families are struggling and they are uncertain of what the future holds. Support for the rebels is mixed; while some greet them with cheers, others appear to be acting out of fear of repercussions from the new military administration. The M23 fighters have not only subdued the Congolese army but also humiliated their captured foes, including foreign mercenaries.
The United Nations peacekeeping forces facilitated the evacuation of these Romanian mercenaries to Rwanda, which involved trucks guarded by foreign troops. During the handover, M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma mockingly confronted the mercenaries, asserting their fight for survival in contrast to the mercenaries’ motivations. When pressed about Rwanda’s involvement, Ngoma denied any support, emphasizing their identity as a Congolese army with a noble cause.
The assertion of independence from Rwandan support contradicts widespread international condemnation of Rwanda’s involvement with the M23 group. As the last Romanian mercenaries exited across the border, a poignant image emerged of foreign fighters returning home amid Congolese families fleeing their own distributed home, highlighting the paradox of war and its impact on civilians.
The M23 rebels, originating from eastern Congo, have engaged in various conflicts with the Congolese army, where they have secured significant territorial control. The presence and backing of Rwanda in these conflicts are controversial and have drawn international scrutiny, resulting in accusations from multiple global institutions and diplomats. Goma, being at the center of these tensions, has become a focal point for both humanitarian crises and military confrontations.
The events surrounding the M23 rebels’ actions in Goma illustrate the complex dynamics of conflict in the region, including the contentious support from Rwanda and the profound impact on local civilians. The tension between denial of external assistance from the rebels and the public acknowledgment of such support reflects broader geopolitical issues, potentially complicating future diplomatic resolutions. This situation remains precarious as local populations navigate the uncertain aftermath of military change.
Original Source: news.sky.com
