M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have reportedly seized the city of Goma in eastern Congo amid ongoing conflict that has persisted for over thirty years. Thousands of residents are fleeing the violence, leading to humanitarian concerns as power outages and injuries mount. Despite international interventions, the situation remains dire and continues to escalate, with calls for Rwandan military withdrawal following increasing tensions.
In the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have claimed control over the vital city of Goma. Following extensive artillery fire, the local government forces appear to have collapsed, prompting thousands of residents to flee towards the city center, seeking refuge from the violence. As the conflict escalates, power outages have severely impacted the lives of Goma’s one million inhabitants.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has persisted for over thirty years. M23, which consists primarily of Congolese Tutsi officers, initially emerged in 2012. After capturing Goma that year, the group was eventually driven from the city. However, the M23 resumed its campaign in late 2021, regaining significant territory in North Kivu province.
The M23 articulates its mission as protecting minority groups such as the Tutsi in Congo, yet human rights organizations accuse it of perpetrating severe abuses, including massacres. The precarious situation escalated further this January, with M23 reinforcing its position by capturing additional territory in neighboring South Kivu.
As the conflict grew, Congolese forces, with assistance from UN peacekeepers and a coalition of international troops, struggled to resist the rebel offensive. The regional deployment of South African, Tanzanian, and Malawian troops aimed to bolster the Congolese military, which is often criticized for its lack of resources and capability.
The recent offensive has resulted in numerous fatalities, including six UN peacekeepers and nine South African soldiers. Concurrently, the United Nations began evacuating its civilian personnel from Goma amidst rising danger, leaving many displaced individuals without assistance.
Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict has been significant, reportedly deploying up to 4,000 troops and advanced military hardware to support the M23. Although Rwanda refutes direct intervention, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces. The government in Kigali blames the Congolese administration for harboring forces hostile to Rwanda, namely the FDLR militia.
In Goma, the situation remains precarious as fighting persists around the city; local hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties and basic services have dwindled. Listening to the intensifying gunfire, Congolese authorities have vowed to defend Goma until the end while alerting the public that significant conflict may be imminent. Both nations are at a diplomatic impasse, but no formal declaration of war has been made simultaneously as tensions rise.
The situation in Goma epitomizes the ongoing instability in eastern Congo, marked by decades of conflict primarily driven by ethnic tensions and external interventions. The recent claims of M23 capturing Goma reveal severe vulnerabilities within Congolese defense. As international responses unfold, the pleas for effective resolutions are paramount to alleviate the humanitarian crisis arising from the tension between Rwandan-backed rebels and Congolese forces. The unfolding events necessitate urgent attention from the global community.
Original Source: www.gpb.org
