The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, proclaimed a unilateral ceasefire in Goma but continue to control the city following significant violent clashes. Despite citing humanitarian reasons, the rebels aim to protect civilians while also advancing towards other strategic locations. The ongoing conflict stems from deep-seated ethnic tensions and has led to considerable displacement and loss of life.
The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have declared a unilateral ceasefire in Goma, eastern Congo, citing humanitarian reasons. However, they have not relinquished control of the city, which is situated in a mineral-rich region. Following fierce clashes, the U.N. health agency reported 900 fatalities linked to the recent fighting between the M23 and Congolese forces soon after the rebels captured Goma, a city populated by two million residents.
In their statement, M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka emphasized, “It must be made clear that we have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas. However, we reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions.” Reports indicate that M23 forces are advancing towards Bukavu while indicating ambitions for further operations towards Kinshasa, the capital.
The regional summit this week, attended by the presidents of Congo and Rwanda, aims to address the ongoing conflict. International observers note that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops are supporting the M23, a significant increase compared to previous years. This conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, forcing many to seek refuge in Rwanda, which denies allegations of providing support to the rebels.
The roots of this conflict are intertwined with decades of ethnic tensions, particularly involving the Tutsi and Hutu groups. The M23 claims its mission involves defending Tutsi interests in Congo against perceived Hutu aggressors. Additionally, Hutus associated with past genocidal acts have fled to Congo, creating complex security dynamics in the region.
Desperate families in Goma are searching for missing relatives, as morgues struggle to handle the influx of deceased victims. Chiza Nyenyezi recounted her son’s death from gunfire, stating, “A muzalendo shot him in the back (and) it went out of his chest.” Another grieving mother, Louise Shalukoma, lamented her fourth child’s death, expressing her devastation over the loss amidst the ongoing violence.
The situation in Goma is a manifestation of the ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of Congo, where multiple armed groups vie for dominance over valuable resources. The M23 rebels, initially active in 2012, have resurfaced with renewed vigor, drawing significant support from the Rwandan military. The conflict is deeply rooted in historical ethnic tensions and the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, where Hutu militias fled to Congo and perpetuated cycles of violence.
The unilateral ceasefire declared by the M23 rebels marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo; however, their control over Goma, amidst rising tensions and human rights concerns, poses significant challenges to peace efforts. The humanitarian implications of the fighting, alongside the complex historical context, require urgent international attention to alleviate the suffering of affected populations and stabilize the region.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
