Armed groups supported by Rwanda seized Goma’s airport, escalating violence in the DRC with over 100 killed and nearly 1,000 injured in three days. The M23 insurgency, reclaiming territory, has worsened the humanitarian crisis, forcing mass displacements. Protests erupted against foreign embassies, while international bodies issued warnings about ethnic tensions and humanitarian needs.
On Tuesday, an armed group supported by Rwandan forces captured the airport in Goma, a pivotal city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, escalating violence that has resulted in over 100 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries in just three days. This event marks a significant setback for the Congolese military, which has been struggling to maintain control over North Kivu province. The M23 group, which leads the insurgency and has received Rwandan support, claimed to have taken Goma entirely following intense street battles that resulted in casualties across the city.
Following the airport’s capture, reports emerged that more than 1,200 Congolese soldiers had surrendered and were being held at the United Nations base. This rapid advance highlights the ongoing instability in eastern Congo, a region still suffering from the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, resulting in renewed humanitarian crises with widespread displacement and food scarcity. Goma, a city of one million, reported nearly deserted streets due to the recent conflict.
The violence has also spurred protests and attacks on foreign embassies in Kinshasa, prompting the U.S. Embassy to advise its citizens to leave. The International Committee of the Red Cross expressed alarm about the escalating humanitarian crisis, noting hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed with casualties, and some patients are lying on the floor due to space constraints.
The situation has forced over half a million individuals to flee, worsening the ongoing humanitarian disaster. At a UN Security Council meeting, concerns were raised about the potential resurgence of ethnic conflicts rooted in prior genocides. Calls from the African Union urged the M23 to cease hostilities without directly addressing Rwandan involvement.
Amidst these tensions, the DRC government accused Rwanda of exploiting the region’s mineral wealth, while Rwanda defended itself, stating that its military presence aimed to combat the FDLR militia responsible for past atrocities. Meanwhile, Kenya announced plans for a crisis summit to address the ongoing conflict in collaboration with Congo and Rwanda, following a similar insurgency by M23 in 2012 that ended with their defeat by Congolese and UN forces.
The armed conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in Goma, has stemmed from a complex political and ethnic history, primarily influenced by the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The M23 armed group, led by Tutsi individuals, re-emerged in 2021, capitalizing on the instability in the region. Conflicts between various armed factions and their regional backers have fostered a protracted humanitarian crisis marked by violence, displacement, and food shortages, challenging the authority of the Congolese government.
The capture of Goma’s airport by Rwandan-backed M23 fighters underscores the escalating violence and humanitarian challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Protests in Kinshasa and international condemnation highlight the urgency of addressing the conflict. As the region continues to grapple with the consequences of historical ethnic tensions and armed group activities, regional leaders must seek effective resolutions to restore stability and humanitarian conditions.
Original Source: www.kulr8.com
