Violence escalates near Goma, DR Congo, as M23 clashes with the army, prompting Western nations to advise evacuation. Over 400,000 people displaced this year, with civilian safety a primary concern. The UN warns of potential regional conflict amid failed peace talks and increasing humanitarian needs.
The armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) clashed with the M23 group near Goma on Friday, as Western nations including the UK, US, and France advised their citizens to evacuate the city. The deteriorating situation arose after failed peace talks, allowing M23, with Rwandan support, to capture significant territory, leading to a humanitarian crisis affecting approximately one million residents.
The United Nations (UN) reported that over 400,000 people have been displaced this year due to escalating violence in North Kivu province, with warnings that the conflict could escalate into a regional war. “The number of displacements is now over 400,000 people this year alone, almost double the number reported last week,” stated Matthew Saltmarsh of the UN refugee agency, emphasizing concern for civilian safety amid ongoing turmoil.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm over the increase in hostilities, stating that the offensive dramatically impacts civilians and raises risks of a wider regional conflict. Clashes transpired just 20 kilometers from Goma, with local reports detailing intense fighting and helicopter support from the Congolese military to counter M23 advances.
In the wake of these developments, efforts to unify and counter the M23’s advance included deploying helicopters and armored vehicles. Medical teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross have reported treating numerous civilians injured during the conflict, while families continued to flee towards Goma for safety.
The M23 group had previously occupied Goma in 2012, leading to international intervention to restore government control. Recent attempts to mediate the ongoing crisis have failed, with diplomatic talks between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame canceled without consensus. Türkiye has proposed to facilitate new mediation efforts in the region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced decades of conflict, most recently with the M23, a rebel group originally formed in 2012. Peace efforts have consistently failed, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. The international community, including the US, UK, France, and the United Nations, has been actively monitoring the evolving situation, urging for the safety of civilians, as fighting intensifies around Goma, the provincial capital, which remains strategically significant amid ongoing conflict.
The situation in Goma remains precarious as clashes between Congolese forces and M23 rebels continue to mount. The international community’s calls for evacuation and heightened concern from the UN indicate a critical juncture in the crisis. With substantial displacement and ongoing hostilities, urgent solutions and sustained diplomatic efforts are essential to prevent further escalation of violence in the region.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
