Escalating Violence in Goma as Rwanda-Backed M23 Rebels Seize Control

M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have taken over Goma, causing mass panic as the Congolese army struggles to respond. UN officials reported explosions and a prison break amid escalating violence. The situation has drawn international condemnation, particularly regarding Rwanda’s involvement, prompting UN evacuations and calls for citizen exoduses from Goma amid worsening chaos.

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have asserted control over Goma, the largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), resulting in widespread panic among its two million residents. This development followed a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the rebels for the Congolese army to surrender their weapons. The announcement elicited a strong response from the Congolese government, branding the rebel actions a “declaration of war.”

The M23 rebels, composed mainly of ethnic Tutsis, have reportedly engaged in a siege of Goma, with considerable military support from Rwanda, indicating a potential escalation of one of Africa’s longest ongoing conflicts. As the rebel forces advanced, the Congolese armed forces appeared to falter, with some soldiers resorting to surrendering their arms to UN peacekeepers. On the ground, explosions and gunfire were reported, alongside a mass prison break that resulted in fatalities.

M23 official Corneille Nangaa announced to the media that his forces had effectively taken control of Goma and that Congolese army personnel were capitulating. Meanwhile, the DRC government has called for civilian protection amid escalating tensions. Patrick Muyaya, a government spokesman, highlighted the fluidity of the situation through a video statement.

In response to the unfolding crisis, the United Nations Security Council convened to address the issue, with representatives from the United States, France, and Britain condemning Rwanda’s involvement. Rwanda, however, countered these allegations by claiming that the DRC government has been obstructing peace negotiations and supporting extremist groups. In light of the unrest, the UN evacuated staff and their families from Goma to Rwanda, as calls for citizens from multiple nations to leave the city intensified.

The DRC’s eastern provinces are characterized by a complex web of armed groups and militias, primarily emerging from the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. The M23, following a brief period of control in Goma in 2012, had been defeated the subsequent year but has re-emerged to capture significant territory again since 2022. The region’s abundance of valuable minerals continues to spark international interest and involvement.

The M23 rebels assert that their movement seeks to protect the Tutsi population within the DRC from both governmental oppression and Hutu militias. Reports from United Nations experts confirm that Rwanda has provided substantial military assistance to the M23, reinforcing their operational capabilities. This resurgence of conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands more civilians, adding to the existing humanitarian crisis affecting millions in the DRC’s eastern regions.

The conflicts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo stem from complex historical issues, including the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, which led to significant instability in the region. The DRC is home to over 100 armed groups, particularly in North Kivu province, where Goma is situated. The M23, an ethnic Tutsi-led militia, has a history of seizing control of Goma and has returned to prominence in recent years, exacerbating an already volatile situation involving external influences and resource competition.

The seizure of Goma by M23 rebels, with the backing of Rwandan troops, represents a significant escalation of violence in the DRC. The government’s classification of the situation as a “declaration of war” underscores the urgent need for international intervention and humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, the conflict continues to displace thousands, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com

About Sofia Nawab

Sofia Nawab is a talented feature writer known for her in-depth profiles and human-interest stories. After obtaining her journalism degree from the University of London, she honed her craft for over a decade at various top-tier publications. Sofia has a unique gift for capturing the essence of the human experience through her writing, and her work often spans cultural and social topics.

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