The UN reported a decrease in fighting in Goma amid ongoing tensions between M23 rebels and government forces. This comes as sporadic shooting continues, while efforts are made to ensure the safety of civilians and UN personnel. The stability of Goma is crucial due to its access to valuable mineral resources, adding another layer to the conflict.
The United Nations reported a decrease in hostilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), although tensions persist amid ongoing clashes for control of Goma between M23 rebels and the military. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric indicated that sporadic gunfire continues while overall exchanges of fire have diminished. The UN mission in Congo (MONUSCO) is prioritizing the safety of personnel and civilians seeking refuge in UN facilities.
Plans are underway for peacekeepers to conduct patrols in Goma, with efforts to assess the situation, resupply, and evaluate routes to the capital, Kinshasa. Despite calls for protests, the streets in Goma remain largely deserted, with many businesses closed due to concerns about potential looting. Demonstrators allege that various embassies, including those of France and the United States, harbor complicity with Rwanda, which they blame for supporting the M23 rebels.
Dujarric paid tribute to fallen UN peacekeepers, reporting that 22 personnel have been injured during the most recent conflict surge involving the M23. He stated that attacks against UN peacekeepers are intolerable and may constitute war crimes. Additionally, humanitarian operations are severely impeded in Goma due to violence and looting targeting aid warehouses, complicating efforts to assist those in need.
The airport in Goma is currently closed, further hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid and the rotation of aid workers, with most routes across the country also inaccessible. M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have claimed control of eastern Goma, resulting in numerous casualties. The city is strategically and economically vital, serving as a gateway to the mineral-rich regions of eastern Congo.
The M23’s agenda reflects broader grievances related to perceived discrimination against Tutsi communities, seeking to address longstanding safety concerns and military integration. Conversely, the Congolese government accuses the M23 of causing instability, allegedly receiving external support from Rwanda.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict primarily driven by the M23 rebel group, which emerged amid allegations of discrimination against Tutsi communities and international influence. Goma, a strategically important city, provides access to valuable mineral deposits essential for the global economy. Tensions have escalated as the M23 intensifies its military actions against government forces, prompting the UN to intervene and assess the humanitarian impact of the ongoing violence.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains precarious, despite a reported decline in armed confrontations. The UN continues to prioritize the protection of civilians and its peacekeepers while addressing humanitarian needs amidst restricted access. The dynamics of the conflict, centered around Goma, highlight the complex interplay of local grievances and international relations, particularly involving regional powers such as Rwanda.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr