Fear permeates Goma, Congo, as Rwanda-backed rebels, the M23, claim control over the city amidst ongoing violent clashes. Residents are fleeing amidst gunfire, while the Congolese government accuses Rwanda of aggression. The situation exacerbates an existing humanitarian crisis, with over 6 million displaced in the region, prompting U.N. calls for immediate action to uphold territorial integrity.
Residents of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, awoke to fear and apprehension on Monday morning following claims by Rwanda-backed rebels that they had seized control of the city. Gunfire erupted overnight, and early reports indicated the presence of armed men in military uniforms marching through Goma, although it remained uncertain if they were indeed M23 rebels. Congolese officials have yet to confirm the takeover, leaving the situation in a state of ambiguity.
The M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, is one of the numerous armed factions contending for influence in the resource-rich eastern DRC, contributing to ongoing regional instability. They temporarily occupied Goma in 2012 and resurfaced in late 2021, allegedly with increasing backing from Rwanda, which the Rwandan government denies. This escalation of conflict threatens to exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis, as millions remain displaced in the region, according to UN estimates, with over a third of North Kivu’s population affected.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the U.N. Security Council urged the M23 group to cease their advancements and respect the sovereignty of the DRC. The Security Council condemned the rebels for their actions and called for a return to stability, urging an end to the establishment of rival administrations. The M23 claimed to have captured Goma just as a deadline for Congolese security forces to surrender had nearly passed, prompting the government to declare its military actions in response.
The ongoing conflict has forced many residents to flee Goma in search of safety. Eyewitnesses reported gunfire and explosions near the border, prompting a mass exodus in which families carried their belongings to escape into Rwanda. The U.N.’s special representative for the DRC stated that the humanitarian and logistical situation is dire, with airports closed and road access blocked.
Recent hostilities have also taken a toll on U.N. peacekeepers in the area, with reports of fatalities amidst clashes between the M23 rebels and Congolese forces. Over two decades since the establishment of the U.N. peacekeeping mission, approximately 14,000 personnel remain on the ground to provide support and maintain order in a region plagued by decades of conflict.
The conflict in eastern Congo has roots in complex historical tensions, including the aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide. Various armed groups, notably the M23 rebels, have emerged, many of which are linked to regional dynamics involving neighboring countries, especially Rwanda. The region’s wealth of minerals has also made it a focal point for competition among various militias and foreign actors, contributing to a protracted humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions.
The recent developments in Goma highlight the precarious situation in eastern Congo, where territorial battles between armed groups and government forces continue to create widespread fear and uncertainty among civilians. The international community, particularly the United Nations, is calling for urgent actions to restore stability and protect the sovereignty of the DRC amid escalating violence and humanitarian challenges. Continued diplomatic tensions between Congo and Rwanda further complicate a resolution to this ongoing conflict.
Original Source: apnews.com
