An armed group supported by Rwanda seized Goma’s airport in the DRC after three days of intense fighting, causing over 100 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries. The capture represents a considerable loss for Congolese forces and worsens an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Protests erupted in Kinshasa against foreign embassies amid the unrest, while the UN and African Union called for ceasefires and addressed the escalating violence.
On Tuesday, an armed group, reportedly supported by Rwandan forces, gained control over Goma’s airport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This takeover occurred following three days of intense fighting that left over 100 individuals dead and nearly 1,000 wounded, according to local hospital counts. The escalating conflict poses significant challenges for the Congolese army, which has already lost substantial territory in the mineral-rich North Kivu province to the Tutsi-led M23 group and its Rwandan allies.
As the M23 fighters moved through Goma, intense street-to-street battles erupted, resulting in numerous casualties and widespread destruction. A security source reported that more than 1,200 Congolese soldiers had surrendered to the M23 forces and were confined at a UN base. The ongoing violence marks a critical juncture in the conflict-ridden eastern DRC, a region long scarred by the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The humanitarian situation in Goma is dire, with the UN warning of hundreds of thousands displaced, alongside severe food shortages and overwhelmed healthcare facilities. Some people, like Destin Jamaica Kela, described the chaos, stating, “Bombs were falling and killing other people everywhere, we saw dead bodies.” The once-bustling streets of Goma have become nearly deserted as residents flee the violence.
In response to the escalating tensions, protests erupted in Kinshasa, leading to attacks on various embassies, including those of Rwanda and the United States. The US Embassy advised its citizens to evacuate amid these attacks, while the European Union condemned the violence as “unacceptable”. The Red Cross is actively providing aid to the overflowing hospitals amid alarming shortages of space and resources.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant displacement, with approximately half a million people fleeing their homes this year alone. The UN Security Council urged caution, as the resurgence of such violence could reignite ethnic tensions reminiscent of historical conflicts. Meanwhile, the African Union has called on the M23 to cease hostilities, implicitly addressing the regional dynamics involving Rwanda.
A crisis summit is set to convene, discussing pivotal issues affecting both DRC and Rwanda, amidst a troubling backdrop of violence and humanitarian distress. Following previous limited peacemaking efforts, the situation continues to deteriorate, posing further challenges to lasting stability in the region.
The current conflict in the DRC’s eastern region, particularly in Goma, is deeply rooted in historical events, notably the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Armed groups, particularly the M23, have re-emerged with significant support, challenging the authority of the Congolese army. The region is rich in minerals, heightening tensions from regional rivalries and external influences, primarily from neighboring Rwanda. Humanitarian crises have worsened due to ongoing fighting, leading to widespread displacement and overwhelming healthcare systems in affected areas.
In summary, Goma is on the brink of further turmoil as armed groups gain ground with foreign support, leading to escalating violence and a severe humanitarian crisis. The international community has responded with calls for de-escalation, yet the situation remains precarious. Active negotiations and decisive actions are necessary to prevent a deeper crisis and address the underlying tensions that fuel this protracted conflict.
Original Source: www.wfxg.com
