Thousands of prisoners have escaped from a jail in Goma, DRC, following a rebel advance led by the Rwanda-backed M23 group, who claim to have captured the city. The situation has caused mass panic among residents, as humanitarian conditions worsen in the region. Accusations against Rwanda have escalated the conflict and elicited international attention and concern over the humanitarian crisis ongoing in North Kivu.
On Monday, a vast number of prisoners escaped from a jail in Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as Rwanda-backed rebels claimed to have captured the city. Witnesses reported that prisoners fled into the streets amid artillery fire, which instigated widespread panic among the two million residents of Goma. The United Nations (UN) noted that the rebel offensive intensifies the humanitarian crisis in the region, where many residents are already displaced from their homes.
Rebels from the M23 group have reportedly entered Goma, creating chaos in a mineral-rich area already plagued by conflict. The DRC government, situated nearly 1,000 miles away in Kinshasa, characterized the advance of the M23 as an act of war by Rwanda, sparking gunfire across the shared border. This situation could further escalate one of Africa’s longest wars, affecting critical resources such as gold and coltan in the region.
The M23 rebel group previously occupied Goma in 2012 and reemerged in 2021 with increased support from Rwanda, which though denied by its leadership. Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, foreign minister of the DRC, addressed the UN Security Council, accusing Rwanda of “a frontal aggression” against the DRC. France has expressed its concern, urging an immediate halt to hostilities, while the UN condemned the violation of DRC’s sovereignty.
As the conflict intensifies, long-standing refugee camps around Goma are being emptied as civilians flee the advancing rebels. Dr. Manenji Mangundu, the director of Oxfam in the DRC, has remarked on the deteriorating conditions, stating many families have been displaced repeatedly without adequate support. The ongoing violence has also resulted in casualties among UN peacekeepers, highlighting the dire situation on ground.
In response to the escalating conflict, bus services are reportedly on standby to evacuate UN personnel and their families from Goma to Rwanda. Over 14,000 peacekeepers are deployed in the DRC, yet the continuous violence raises serious questions regarding their effectiveness in restoring peace to the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises due to persistent wars and conflicts, which have caused substantial displacement within the North Kivu province. The M23 rebel group, a significant player in the ongoing upheaval, has been involved in multiple confrontations for years, primarily driven by the region’s vast mineral wealth. Rwanda’s alleged support for these rebels has further complicated the situation, leading to accusations of aggression against the DRC by its neighbor.
In summary, the mass prison break in Goma amidst rebel advances reflects the increasing turmoil in the DRC. The humanitarian impact is severe, with thousands displaced and fleeing the violence. The conflict poses a significant threat to stability and peace in the region, prompting calls for urgent international intervention. The situation remains volatile as the international community seeks to address the crisis.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
