Fighting in Goma has intensified, with Congolese forces engaged in combat against M23 rebels and Rwandan troops. The humanitarian crisis deepens, displacing 400,000 individuals this year. International leaders have called for urgent dialogue as civilian casualties rise and escalating violence raises fear of a regional war.
Fighting has erupted in Goma, DR Congo, as government forces clash with the M23 militia and Rwandan troops. Gunfire and artillery fire have caused panic among residents, leading many to stay indoors. Lucie, a Goma inhabitant, conveyed her fear stating, “We can hear the shooting outside our homes; we cannot leave.” The M23 has gained ground since its resurgence in late 2021, intensifying conflict in the mineral-rich North Kivu province, home to many displaced individuals.
With increasing violence, the humanitarian situation has worsened, displacing over 400,000 people this year alone. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed solidarity with the DRC, warning that Goma is on the verge of falling. The Congolese government insists it is working to mitigate loss of life and instability in the area, as intense clashes continue, causing a significant humanitarian crisis.
Reporters noted that M23 and Rwandan forces entered Goma after weeks of approach, leading to a chaotic environment. As a crisis summit convenes with leaders from Kenya, DRC, and Rwanda, the African Union is also set to discuss the escalating situation. The M23 has assumed a strong position, demanding the surrender of Congolese soldiers.
As violence escalates, both Congolese and Rwandan troops exchanged fire across a border crossing, which is now closed. Rwandan military sources reported five civilian deaths just across the border in Gisenyi, following artillery exchanges. Meanwhile, the arrival of Rwandan forces has prompted Congolese officials to label it as a “declaration of war,” urging international intervention and sanctions against Rwanda.
Rwanda’s government has dismissed allegations of aggression, asserting a defensive stance due to threats posed by the ongoing conflict. Historical animosities between the DRC and Rwanda are rooted in both nations’ legacies, further complicating this crisis. The international community remains concerned as tensions mount, sustaining fears of a regional conflict. The humanitarian crisis only intensifies with the displacement of civilians and violence near the Rwanda-DRC border.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced prolonged internal strife, particularly in the eastern region, exacerbated by armed groups such as the M23. This group, which has its roots in the post-genocide period in Rwanda, has re-emerged, claiming territory in North Kivu province from late 2021 onward. With over three decades of conflict, Goma has become a focal point for international concern over humanitarian issues and regional stability, intertwined with geopolitical interests in the region’s rich mineral resources.
The situation in Goma represents a critical point for the DRC, highlighting the ongoing conflict with armed groups and foreign military involvement. The M23’s resurgence not only poses a direct challenge to government forces but also endangers civilians caught in the crossfire. International diplomatic efforts are urgently needed to address this escalating crisis, while the humanitarian implications continue to grow as hostilities persist.
Original Source: www.cbs19news.com
