M23 rebels have claimed control of Goma, prompting gunfire and panic among residents. The DRC government sees this as a war declaration by Rwanda, which it has since cut diplomatic ties with. International calls for peace and protection of civilians are increasing as fears grow of a broader conflict igniting. The UN and Kenya urge dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda amidst escalating violence.
Gunfire erupted in Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), shortly after the M23 rebels claimed they seized the city, despite United Nations appeals to cease military actions. Witnesses reported rebels entering Goma’s center, and the DRC government characterized the advance as a “declaration of war” by neighboring Rwanda. UN officials noted that the situation has instigated widespread panic among Goma’s populace of two million.
The M23 rebels issued their claim just as a 48-hour ultimatum for Congolese troops to surrender expired. They encouraged Goma’s residents to remain calm while asking local military forces to gather at the stadium. Video evidence provided to Reuters confirmed the rebel presence, compounding fears that ongoing conflicts in this mineral-rich region could escalate into a broader war.
This latest offensive represents a troubling continuation of turmoil in the eastern DRC, historically afflicted by conflicts rooted in ethnic and regional rivalries for over three decades, thereby contributing significantly to a severe humanitarian crisis. The M23 has been engaged in combat against both Congolese forces and UN peacekeepers on Goma’s outskirts in recent days.
Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya stated the DRC is in a “war situation” and called for civilian protections. In response to the M23’s aggression, the DRC severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, demanding United Nations sanctions against its neighbor. Amid intensifying international scrutiny, Kenyan leaders urged both Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to convene for peace negotiations.
During an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting, the DRC’s foreign minister denounced Rwanda’s military incursions, referring to it as a direct assault and “declaration of war”. Meanwhile, Rwanda disputed these claims, attributing provocation to the DRC government and highlighting security threats posed by the ongoing conflict near its borders.
UN experts estimated that Rwanda has deployed thousands of troops to the region, providing substantial military support to the M23 rebels. The UNSC has issued calls for the withdrawal of external forces, although it refrained from specifically identifying the forces involved. Following these developments, the UN Secretary-General has urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops, a request that Kigali has rejected.
Amidst the escalating violence, casualties have arisen among both combatants and peacekeepers, raising alarms about the deteriorating situation in the DRC. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, concerted efforts toward a peaceful resolution become increasingly pressing.
The situation in Goma underscores a longstanding conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where regional tensions, notably involving Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, exacerbate instability. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of direct aggression, leading to severed diplomatic ties and a call for international sanctions. Observers have linked the current violence to broader regional dynamics and historical grievances between ethnic groups in the area.
In summary, the conflict in Goma illustrates the severe humanitarian and geopolitical crises facing the eastern DRC, with M23’s recent advancements prompting a critical response from the DRC government and international bodies. The involvement of Rwandan forces further complicates the situation, necessitating urgent dialogue and peace efforts. As violence escalates, the potential for wider regional instability looms large, underscoring the need for immediate resolutions to avert further suffering for civilians in the area.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
