Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Goma, escalating violence in eastern Congo, prompting U.N. concerns over human rights violations, including executions and rapes. Congolese forces are attempting to repel the rebels, and calls for military mobilization by President Félix Tshisekedi have led to many young people volunteering to fight.
Rwanda-backed rebels have intensified their campaign in eastern Congo, having captured Goma, a strategic city vital for humanitarian aid to approximately 6 million displaced individuals. The United Nations expressed grave concerns regarding reported executions by the M23 rebel group, with indications of serious human rights violations occurring during this escalation of violence. Meanwhile, Congolese military efforts to counter the rebels have met with mixed success, leading to widespread calls for volunteer enlistment in defense of the region.
The conflict in eastern Congo stems from long-standing ethnic tensions and struggles over control of its mineral-rich resources. The M23 group, prominently supported by Rwandan troops, has become a leading force among numerous armed factions operating in the area. Recent reports highlight the worsening humanitarian and human rights situation, escalating violence, and the plight of civilians amidst ongoing military engagement by both rebel forces and government troops.
The situation in eastern Congo remains critical as fighting continues between M23 rebels and Congolese forces. The U.N. has reported severe human rights abuses, including executions and sexual violence. As local governments and citizens mobilize for defense, the humanitarian conditions grow increasingly dire, underscoring the urgent need for resolution and stability in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
