The Democratic Republic of Congo faces escalating violence as M23 rebels advance toward Goma, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians. The situation has drawn international concern, prompting evacuations and mobilization of UN forces amid reports of increasing atrocities. Diplomatic efforts are urgently needed to address the crisis and ensure civilian safety.
In northeast Goma, hundreds of displaced Congolese bear their lives on their backs as they march down a sloping road, facing dire circumstances. Mothers, mattresses strapped to their bodies, accompany their toddlers as trucks carry others fleeing the chaos. These individuals have experienced repeated displacements due to a fierce insurgency led by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels against the Congolese army, which has intensified into 2024, capturing vast regions of eastern DRC and now advancing toward Goma.
As the humanitarian hub prepares for an expected takeover by M23 rebels, which is underscored by the evacuation of dozens of diplomats and non-essential United Nations personnel, around 250,000 Congolese are pouring into the city seeking refuge. Observing near Goma’s Kihisi roundabout, we witnessed a large crowd of civilians acting with urgency and experience in response to escalating threats.
Reports indicated that Rwandan troops had crossed the border, approximately 5 kilometers away, an invasion later affirmed by UN official Bintu Keita. While capturing footage, we encountered a man filled with rage, mistakenly believed to be a foreign national. This moment epitomized the ethnic tensions stemming from a decades-old conflict, a remnant of the Rwandan genocide.
Since the news of M23’s encroachment, civil unrest has increased significantly, with UN personnel advised to remain indoors. Concerns are mounting for those still in Goma due to M23 atrocities in regions under their control. An anonymous aid worker revealed, “We know that M23 has been using the local population to transport their ammunition, like in [recently captured] Minova, and this is not the first time.”
Contacting M23 spokesman Manzi Ngaramble, we learned of their intent to capture Goma purportedly to “protect the people.” He ominously stated, “I cannot tell you how soon M23 will capture Goma but I can tell you this: Goma will never be the same again.” The previous seizure of Goma by M23 in 2012 concluded with a peace agreement, yet current circumstances have escalated the conflict into a diplomatic crisis involving Rwanda.
A UN Security Council meeting was rescheduled to address the situation, emphasizing urgent de-escalation and civilian protection amidst escalating violence in Goma. The UN’s largest peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, is mobilizing troops to the city after recent fighting resulted in casualties among peacekeepers.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the violence, urging the Rwandan Defence Forces to cease their support of M23 and withdraw from DRC territory. As efforts intensify to mitigate the crisis, Goma faces an uncertain future with hundreds of thousands of civilians caught in a fervor of fear and rage.
The violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly involving the M23 rebel group, has led to significant civilian displacements, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis. This ongoing conflict, intertwined with historical tensions from the Rwandan genocide, continues to destabilize both local and regional peace, triggering urgent international responses from organizations such as the United Nations. The situation in Goma has reached a critical threshold, prompting humanitarian and diplomatic negotiations to address the impending threat and protect vulnerable populations in the region.
In light of the recent advancements by M23 rebels in eastern Congo, the dire circumstances for displaced civilians in Goma have escalated dramatically. The growing humanitarian crisis underscores the necessity for international intervention and protective measures for vulnerable populations. As diplomatic efforts continue, Goma’s future remains precarious, heavily influenced by the realities of ethnic conflict and regional dynamics.
Original Source: www.moreradio.online
