The M23 rebel group’s advance towards Goma in eastern DR Congo has prompted the flight of thousands of residents. The situation has escalated, involving accusations of Rwandan support for the rebels, while Kenya has called for a ceasefire. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged for troop withdrawals and peace negotiations to address the growing humanitarian crisis.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern regions, thousands are fleeing towns as M23 rebel forces advance on Goma, a city housing over a million residents. Local media reported explosions and gunfire in Goma on Sunday night, heightening fears amid the looming rebel takeover. A spokesperson for the M23 stated that the group aims to seize Goma at 03:00 local time.
Following accusations from DR Congo’s foreign minister implicating Rwanda in supporting the M23 rebels, tensions have escalated. Rwanda countered by claiming that Kinshasa is aiding militias seeking regime change in Kigali. In response to the mounting crisis, Kenya has urged for a ceasefire and will host an emergency summit between the presidents of DR Congo and Rwanda within two days.
Despite the escalating conflict, the M23 rebels have requested Congolese troops to surrender to prevent further violence. Since its resurgence in 2021, the group has gained control of significant regions within mineral-rich eastern DR Congo and has aggressively moved towards Goma in recent weeks. The UN reports that over 400,000 people have been displaced in North and South Kivu provinces this year alone.
Reports highlight the struggles of displaced individuals, such as a woman named Alice Feza, who has fled multiple towns, expressing despair about the lack of options, stating, “The war catches us here among the host families, now we have nowhere to go.” Essential roads are blocked, and Goma’s airport has ceased operations for humanitarian evacuations, further complicating the situation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops from DR Congo and called on the M23 to halt their advances. He emphasized the necessity of peace, following the deaths of thirteen peacekeeping soldiers amid clashes. The UK and France have echoed these calls, condemning attacks against peacekeepers and reiterating the demand for Rwanda’s withdrawal.
Both the DR Congo and the UN assert that M23 receives backing from Rwanda, a claim that Rwanda has not denied, yet insists that DR Congo is to blame for the ongoing conflict. Rwanda’s UN representative articulated frustration that the international community placed blame solely on M23 without addressing the actions of the Congolese army, which he claimed had violated a ceasefire.
The UN has decided to evacuate non-essential staff from Goma, while essential humanitarian operations are ongoing within the country, highlighting the increasing crisis affecting the region.
The situation in eastern DR Congo has been volatile, characterized by the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which has rapidly advanced since 2021. The conflict has caused significant humanitarian crises, displacing hundreds of thousands. Tensions with Rwanda further complicate the situation, as both nations accuse each other of supporting insurgent groups, leading to an urgent need for regional diplomatic intervention and peace efforts.
The escalation of the M23 conflict in DR Congo not only threatens the immediate safety of Goma’s residents but also complicates broader regional relations, particularly with Rwanda. With increasing numbers of displaced people and calls for international intervention, the situation remains dire. A ceasefire and diplomatic efforts appear crucial to address the humanitarian crisis and establish lasting peace.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
