Residents of Goma, eastern Congo, are apprehensive following claims by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels of capturing the city amid escalating violence against Congolese security forces. The M23 group, involved in a prolonged conflict over resources, threatens to destabilize an already humanitarian crisis-affected region. The U.N. Security Council has condemned the rebels’ actions, urging an immediate halt to their advances, while local officials declare a war situation as citizens flee the city in search of safety.
On Monday morning, residents of Goma, located in eastern Congo, awoke to an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty as reports emerged that Rwanda-backed rebels had taken control of the city following intensified clashes with Congolese security forces. Gunfire echoed through the streets overnight, only to be followed by the sight of armed men in military attire marching into the city, stirring a mix of apprehension and support among local citizens. The Congolese government has not confirmed these claims of a takeover.
The M23 rebel cohort, supported by Rwanda, stands as one of roughly 100 armed factions involved in the ongoing conflict over the resource-rich region of eastern Congo. The group had temporarily seized Goma in 2012 and reemerged in late 2021, reportedly with renewed support from Rwanda, despite denials from the Rwandan government regarding any assistance.
Analysts have warned that this recent escalation poses a serious risk of further destabilization within the region, which is already grappling with one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, having displaced over 6 million individuals, with a significant portion residing in North Kivu province alone, as per United Nations reports.
In a statement issued late Sunday, the U.N. Security Council called on the M23 rebels to cease their advances immediately, emphasizing the violation of the DRC’s sovereignty. The Council condemned the establishment of parallel administrations within Congolese territory, highlighting international concerns about the ongoing situation.
Early Monday, the M23 announced their capture of Goma as the deadline for Congolese forces to surrender their weapons approached. The rebels urged military personnel to gather at the central stadium while concurrently urging local residents to remain calm amidst the turmoil.
Congolese officials declared a state of war, accusing Rwanda of aggression, which prompted the severance of diplomatic ties. Attempts at negotiations between the two nations have recently stalled, further complicating the situation. The rebels’ advance is reflective of an intensified conflict that has seen multiple towns succumb to their control over recent days.
In an effort to escape the violence, hundreds of residents have begun fleeing Goma for Rwanda, laden with their belongings. Witnesses reported seeing military activity near the border, describing dire conditions as people sought refuge amidst ongoing bombardment.
Bintou Keita, the U.N. special representative for Congo, conveyed an urgent call during a Security Council meeting, stating, “we are trapped,” as infrastructural access to the airport and roadways deteriorated due to the conflict. The humanitarian crisis has escalated, exacerbated by ceasefire violations and military engagements.
The ongoing conflicts have resulted in a tragic toll, with at least 13 U.N. peacekeepers having lost their lives in the preceding week. The U.N. peacekeeping force in Congo, known as MONUSCO, has been present for over twenty years and maintains about 14,000 troops in the region, attempting to quell violence and restore peace.
The situation in Goma encapsulates the longstanding conflict in eastern Congo, which has persisted for decades, primarily driven by competition for natural resources and ethnic tensions exacerbated by external influences, notably from Rwanda. The M23 rebels represent a significant faction in this complex landscape, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the conflict and the international involvement that has evolved over time. Historical instances of rebel incursions, including the M23’s previous occupation of Goma, underscore the fragile security environment that has persisted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The role of the United Nations and ongoing humanitarian crises adds layers to the urgency of addressing the conflict and its devastating impact on civilian populations.
In summary, the reported takeover of Goma by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels marks a critical escalation in the conflict within eastern Congo, raising fears among residents and prompting international condemnation. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with millions displaced and urgent calls for action from the U.N. Security Council. The inability to secure peace through diplomatic measures further complicates the path toward stability in the region, highlighting the need for immediate international engagement and resolution efforts.
Original Source: apnews.com
