In Goma, DRC, violence has surged as M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, gained substantial control of the city. Over 1,200 Congolese soldiers have surrendered, and clashes have resulted in over 100 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries. Hospitals are overwhelmed, prompting national leaders to meet amid international calls for peace and stability.
In Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, security forces are grappling with rising violence as M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwandan troops, have taken significant control over the city, which is home to nearly 2 million residents. Their advance marks the most severe escalation of conflict in over a decade. Reports indicate that the M23 has seized the city’s airport, threatening a critical supply line for aid to displaced individuals. Moreover, over 1,200 Congolese soldiers have reportedly surrendered and are being housed at a UN base.
The situation deteriorated rapidly, with local resident Destin Jamaica Kela describing the chaos: “Things changed very fast. Bombs were falling and killing other people everywhere; we saw dead bodies.” M23’s political leader, Bertrand Bisimwa, asserted that the last pockets of resistance in Goma had been eliminated, claiming that their forces are committed to restoring security and peace in the region.
Violent clashes over several days have resulted in at least 100 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries, causing hospitals in Goma to be overwhelmed. One hospital manager vividly recounted the dire conditions, stating, “We had to drain gasoline from ambulances to power the generator because there are people on respirators who couldn’t survive without electricity.”
Amid escalating tensions, the President of DRC, Felix Tshisekedi, planned an extraordinary summit with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to address the crisis. In a pre-summit conversation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Kagame for an immediate cessation of hostilities, expressing profound concern over the situation. Kagame described the dialogue as productive and recognized the need for a ceasefire without committing to troop withdrawal.
The conflict is rooted in historical tensions dating back to the Rwandan genocide, with M23 representing the latest rebellion in a series of ethnic Tutsi-led insurgencies. Rwanda contends that militia groups from Congo threaten its security, while the Congolese government accuses Rwanda of exploiting informal alliances to extract valuable minerals. M23 had previously captured Goma in 2012 but retreated under international pressure; analysts suggest that such pressure may not be forthcoming this time due to Rwanda’s strategic regional role.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has deep historical roots, stemming from the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. The M23, which is comprised of ethnic Tutsi fighters, has emerged as a prominent rebel group supported by Rwanda in their endeavors against the Congolese government. Tensions have escalated as these groups vie for control of the resource-rich eastern regions, leading to repeated cycles of violence and humanitarian crises. The geopolitical landscape complicates the situation, with both Rwanda and the DRC accusing each other of misconduct, often involving claims of militia activity and territorial encroachment. The involvement of international observers and the UN adds another layer of complexity, as foreign nations attempt to mediate the conflict while contending with regional power dynamics.
The conflict in Goma has escalated significantly, indicating a troubling resurgence of armed insurgency in the region. The M23 rebels, buoyed by Rwandan support, have created a precarious security situation that threatens humanitarian aid efforts and local stability. As negotiations continue among regional leaders, the international community watches closely, urging for a sustainable resolution to the complex ethnic and resource-related tensions that have defined this protracted crisis.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
