As M23 rebels close in on Goma in the DRC, tens of thousands have fled. Violence intensified over the weekend with gunfire and explosions reported in the city. The UN has called for Rwandan troop withdrawal amid rising tensions, while displaced citizens express despair over the situation. Regional leaders aim for a ceasefire.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), tens of thousands of residents are fleeing their homes as M23 rebel forces advance toward the city of Goma. Gunfire and explosions were reported in Goma over the weekend, prompting fears of imminent occupation. The M23 rebels have announced their intent to seize control of the city at 03:00 local time (01:00 GMT).
DR Congo’s foreign minister has accused Rwanda of inciting war by sending troops to assist the M23 group. This accusation comes as Rwanda claims that the DRC is backing militias aiming for government change in Kigali. In response to the escalating conflict, Kenyan President William Ruto has called for a ceasefire and organized an emergency regional summit with both Congolese and Rwandan leaders.
The M23 rebels have urged Congolese soldiers in Goma to surrender to prevent further violence. Since taking control of large portions of eastern DRC in 2021, the group has made significant territorial gains, especially in recent weeks. According to UN reports, over 400,000 individuals have been displaced from the North and South Kivu provinces this year.
Alice Feza, a displaced woman, expressed the despair of many fleeing across various regions, stating, “People are fleeing everywhere, and we do not know where to go anymore.” Key transportation routes to Goma are obstructed, with the airport rendered unusable for evacuations and humanitarian missions.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops and called upon the M23 to cease its advances. He insisted on the need for peace amid that conflict, articulating that both parties should halt hostile actions. The recent clashes have resulted in the death of 13 peacekeepers, further straining the fragile situation.
Both the United Kingdom and France have echoed Guterres’ calls for restraint, particularly regarding attacks on peacekeeping forces. Meanwhile, Rwanda expresses discontent with international condemnation of the M23, asserting that the DRC army had breached a ceasefire. The UN has commenced the withdrawal of its non-essential staff from Goma amidst these developments.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been exacerbated by the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, previously active in the region. Historically, the conflict stems from complex inter-ethnic and political disputes, with neighboring nations, such as Rwanda, accused of meddling. The situation surrounding Goma has attracted international attention due to the rapid displacement of civilians and increasing violence, complicating local and international diplomatic efforts. The DRC and Rwanda have long had strained relations, particularly concerning accusations of border interventions and support of rebel groups. The involvement of regional powers has made achieving peace in this mineral-rich area increasingly complicated, highlighting the fragile state of governance and security in the region.
As tensions escalate in the DRC, numerous civilians are fleeing amidst the advancing M23 rebels. Accusations of Rwandan military intervention add complexity to the situation as ceasefire calls increase from regional leaders. The humanitarian implications are profound, with hundreds of thousands displaced and significant concerns for peacekeepers’ safety. The global community continues to call for a resolution, while local inhabitants face uncertainty and fear.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
