Rwandan-backed rebels entered Goma, DRC’s largest city, escalating existing conflicts. The M23 militia claims control, amid reports of gunfire and looting. The situation reflects decades of unresolved tensions and humanitarian crises in the region, with international implications regarding Rwanda’s involvement. Thousands of residents have been displaced, as diplomatic dialogues face significant challenges.
On March 27, 2023, Rwandan-backed rebels reportedly entered the center of Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), exacerbating a protracted conflict in a region already facing severe humanitarian challenges. The M23 militia, an ethnic Tutsi-led rebel group, claimed to have gained control over the entire city, although this assertion remains unverified. Witnesses described chaos, including gunfire near the airport and reports of looting in various areas.
The eastern DRC is fraught with instability, largely stemming from the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This region has seen multiple waves of conflict, with over 100 active armed groups influenced by historical ethnic tensions between Hutus and Tutsis. The M23 has a history in Goma, having briefly captured it in 2012 before withdrawing under international pressure, and it resurfaced in recent conflicts to reclaim territory.
The recent incursion of M23 and ongoing tensions threaten to escalate violence in eastern Congo, displacing thousands more residents in addition to those already affected. International stakeholders, including the U.N. Security Council, are expressing concern over Rwanda’s alleged support for these rebels, while diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain strained. Goma’s situation highlights the urgent need for effective solutions and peacekeeping efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
