Fighting is ongoing in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels assert control over the city. U.N. officials report chaotic conditions and severe humanitarian impacts, including civilian casualties from artillery strikes. Communication and essential services are disrupted, complicating the situation as non-essential U.N. staff are relocated due to escalating violence.
On Monday, senior U.N. official Bruno Lemarquis reported ongoing fighting in Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The situation remains dire as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels assert control over the city. “Active zones of combat have spread to all quarters of the city,” Lemarquis stated during a video briefing from Kinshasa.
The conflict escalated as Congolese forces engaged in skirmishes with Rwandan troops across the border. This recent development marks the most significant intensification of a longstanding conflict in the region. U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix affirmed the presence of Rwandan military in Goma but noted the challenges in determining their exact numbers.
Lemarquis characterized the situation in eastern Congo as “volatile and dangerous,” with U.N. peacekeepers remaining in their positions on the ground. The M23 militia, which is predominantly led by ethnic Tutsi, claims to have seized control of Goma, a critical hub for displaced persons and humanitarian efforts that last saw M23 control in 2012.
The conflict has caused considerable devastation, with recent artillery strikes reportedly hitting a maternity hospital in Goma’s city center, leading to casualties among civilians, including vulnerable newborns and pregnant women. Lemarquis mentioned that the chaos on the ground is palpable and distressing.
As the situation worsens, the U.N. mission currently consists of nearly 11,000 peacekeepers in Congo. Due to escalating violence, non-essential staff have been relocated to Uganda. Communication in Goma is severely hindered, with internet access cut off and disrupted services for water and electricity.
The ongoing violence in Goma reflects a complex and long-standing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, characterized by various rebel factions and regional influences, particularly from Rwanda. The M23 militia has been central to the unrest, with previous occupations of Goma leading to humanitarian crises and international concern. The involvement of Rwandan troops typically exacerbates tensions and complicates peacekeeping efforts in the region, as both military and civilian populations suffer under the violence.
In conclusion, the situation in Goma remains critical, with ongoing fighting between Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces. The humanitarian impact is severe, with casualties reported and essential services disrupted. The presence of Rwandan troops complicates the conflict further, posing significant challenges for U.N. peacekeeping efforts. Continued international attention and support will be essential to address the unfolding crisis.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
