Congo Rebels Claim Control of Goma Amid Rising Tensions

Congolese rebels announced the capture of Goma amid a rapid offensive, displacing thousands and raising concerns of regional conflict. M23 leader Corneille Nangaa issued a surrender ultimatum to government forces while sporadic gunfire was reported in the city. The situation remains tense as the control of Goma is debated and humanitarian concerns escalate.

On Sunday, Congolese rebel factions declared they had successfully captured Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following a rapid offensive that has displaced thousands and raised fears of regional conflict. Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the Congo River Alliance, which encompasses the M23 group, stated, “We have taken Goma and have ordered soldiers to surrender by 3:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT).” However, Reuters could not confirm the extent of the rebels’ control over the city as officials from Kinshasa failed to respond to inquiries regarding the situation.

The M23 rebels, reportedly supported by Rwanda, have gained significant ground in the conflict-prone eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo this month. Their offensive intensified with an assault on Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, earlier last week. As of Sunday evening, sources indicated that M23 fighters had advanced into Munigi, approximately 9 kilometers from the city center, emboldened by their declaration of control over Goma.

Nangaa mentioned that negotiations had allowed some army officers to depart from Goma by boat to Bukavu as the rebels prepared for their takeover. “We gave the (Congolese forces) a 48-hour ultimatum to lay down their arms,” explained Willy Ngoma, M23 spokesman. He emphasized that the deadline had passed, and government forces were instructed to deposit their military equipment at MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping mission. Reports indicated that defending soldiers were to assemble at a local stadium before the surrender deadline.

Residents of Goma reported sporadic gunfire throughout the evening, though it remained unclear who was engaged in the fighting or its intensity. Concurrently, a significant power outage left much of the city in darkness, complicating the ongoing situation.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced prolonged conflict, particularly in its eastern regions, which are abundant in minerals and often considered a battleground for various armed groups, including the M23 rebellion. The resurgence of the M23 rebels in recent weeks has escalated tensions, causing widespread fear and displacements among local populations. The situation in Goma exemplifies the ongoing instability as rebel forces challenge government control, raising the stakes for potential regional conflict.

In conclusion, the capture of Goma by the M23 rebel alliance marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The rapid advance of rebel forces, coupled with the resulting humanitarian crisis, heightens the threat of regional instability. Continued developments and responses from Congolese and international authorities will be crucial in the coming hours and days.

Original Source: www.hawaiitribune-herald.com

About Allegra Nguyen

Allegra Nguyen is an accomplished journalist with over a decade of experience reporting for leading news outlets. She began her career covering local politics and quickly expanded her expertise to international affairs. Allegra has a keen eye for investigative reporting and has received numerous accolades for her dedication to uncovering the truth. With a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University, she blends rigorous research with compelling storytelling to engage her audience.

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