M23 rebels have taken full control of Goma, eastern DRC’s capital, after fierce battles. The capture includes the city’s airport and border with Rwanda, while civilians are left grappling with living under their rule. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties amid deteriorating living conditions, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have successfully seized control of Goma, the regional capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), after a series of intense confrontations with Congolese forces. The rebels now dominate the city’s airport and the border with Rwanda, as the chaotic sounds of gunfire and shelling have diminished in the wake of their triumph.
Goma serves as a crucial humanitarian center, offering refuge to numerous individuals who had previously fled from the M23 uprising in other areas of the region. As the rebels closed in on the city, many women and children sought safety within its confines. They now face the uncertainty of adjusting to life under rebel governance.
Local hospitals are nearing capacity due to an influx of injured civilians caught in the conflict, while residents of Goma find themselves isolated without essential services such as electricity, running water, and mobile connectivity. M23’s territorial gains in eastern DRC, encompassing valuable mineral resources and vital supply routes, have culminated in their takeover of Goma, a city that, despite its limited perceived strategic and economic value, represents significant leverage for future negotiations.
The recent events surrounding Goma’s takeover are part of a larger conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where various armed groups, including M23, vie for control over resource-rich territories. The M23 group, which has faced ongoing accusations of backing from Rwanda, has intensified its activities in the region, leading to increased instability and threatening the safety of civilians. Goma, as a critical humanitarian hub, plays a strategic role amid the ongoing turmoil, housing many displaced individuals and depending on the region’s volatile dynamics for its security and recovery.
The successful capture of Goma by M23 rebels highlights the escalating conflict in eastern DRC, illustrating the looming humanitarian crisis and the precarious future for civilians under rebel control. With vital infrastructure compromised and essential services lacking, the situation remains dire for Goma’s inhabitants. The importance of Goma goes beyond its immediate resources; its fate could significantly influence the ongoing power struggles in the region. Furthermore, as the territory unfolds within the broader context of Congolese instability, international observers must remain vigilant about developments and their potential repercussions for regional peace and security.
Original Source: news.sky.com
