The city of Goma faces renewed panic as M23 rebels advance, prompting action from Congolese military forces. The UN has expressed alarm over the situation, condemning the offensive and warning of potential regional conflict. M23 claims to act for the liberation of local populations amid accusations of Rwandan support for the group.
Panic has engulfed the city of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as M23 rebels advance, engaging in fierce battles with the Congolese military. Helicopter gunships from the Congolese army have been deployed to counter the rebel threat, which has intensified following the capture of key towns in the region. Goma, with its population of approximately 2 million, is critical for both security and humanitarian operations.
The M23 rebel group is among approximately 100 armed factions vying for control in eastern Congo, an area laden with mineral wealth. This longstanding conflict, ongoing for decades, has led to one of the most significant humanitarian crises globally, displacing over 7 million individuals. Recent weeks have seen M23 seizing towns such as Minova, Katale, and Masisi, which further escalates the regional instability.
An M23 spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, remarked on social media that the movement is arriving to liberate the people of Goma, prompting local schools to send students home as tensions rise. There are allegations from experts, including those from the United Nations and the United States, suggesting that Rwanda is providing support to the M23, composed primarily of ethnic Tutsis who previously defected from the Congolese army.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed alarm over the renewed violence, condemning the offensive launched by M23 since the year’s beginning. He stated that this resurgence poses a grave threat to civilians and increases the possibility of a wider regional conflict, asserting a call for an immediate cessation of violence.
The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been marked by relentless conflict due to the struggle for control over its mineral-rich resources. Over the years, numerous armed groups have emerged, contributing to a complex humanitarian crisis. The M23 group, initially formed during a prior conflict, became significant due to its ethnic composition and links to regional tensions involving neighboring Rwanda. With millions displaced and ongoing hostilities, the international community remains concerned about potential escalation.
The escalating conflict involving M23 rebels in eastern Congo represents a significant threat to regional stability and humanitarian conditions. With Goma on the brink of chaos, the Congolese military has intensified its efforts to halt the advance of the rebels. The international response, particularly from the United Nations, reflects deep concern over the lives of civilians caught in the crossfire and the broader implications for the region.
Original Source: www.dw.com
