M23 rebels have advanced towards Goma, injuring hundreds and displacing over 400,000 people since the start of the year. Amid heightened conflict, nine UN peacekeepers were injured, and the governor of North Kivu was killed. The situation continues to deteriorate as humanitarian conditions worsen and accusations against Rwanda persist regarding support for the rebels.
The M23 rebel group has recently made notable territorial advances, surrounding Goma, a city with approximately two million residents and a crucial center for security and humanitarian assistance in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As fighting escalates between M23 forces and government troops, hundreds of individuals, including men, women, and children, have sustained injuries and are being treated in local hospitals.
The conflict has also impacted United Nations peacekeepers, with nine reported injuries incurred during skirmishes with M23 rebels near Sake, a town just 27 kilometers away from Goma. The UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC confirmed that these incidents occurred over the past two days as M23 advanced closer to the city.
M23 has captured key strategic locations, including Sake, which was one of few routes still under government control leading into Goma. Furthermore, the group has reportedly killed Maj. Gen. Peter Cirimwami, the governor of North Kivu, during military operations, which marks a significant escalation in their offensive against government forces.
Widespread conflict in eastern DRC due to the ongoing hostilities near the Rwandan border has resulted in one of the largest humanitarian crises globally. M23 previously seized Goma in 2012 but was driven back since 2021 through combined efforts of the DRC government and allied forces, despite accusations leveled against Rwanda for its alleged support of M23.
Reports indicate that as many as 4,000 Rwandan troops may be present in the DRC, asserting a security presence amid growing tensions. The continuous advance of M23 has displaced over 400,000 individuals so far this year, worsening appalling conditions in displacement centers and contributing to a surge in cholera cases as humanitarian conditions deteriorate.
The M23 group, which emerged from previous military factions, primarily consists of ethnic Tutsis, having separated from the Congolese army over a decade prior and seeking to establish influence in the resource-rich eastern region of the DRC. Decades of border conflicts with Rwanda have created deep-rooted instability, leading to a multitude of armed groups vying for power and resources. The ongoing strife and humanitarian crisis have led to rampant displacement and adverse health conditions for thousands of displaced individuals in and around Goma.
In summary, the M23 rebels’ significant territorial gains pose a growing threat to the safety of Goma and its residents, as clashes with government forces intensify. This resurgence highlights the complex interplay of regional politics, local grievances, and external influences amidst an enduring humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, leaving the humanitarian situation increasingly dire.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
