M23 rebels have claimed control of Goma, DRC, amidst ongoing conflict and a call from the UN to end hostilities. The DRC government has condemned this action as a declaration of war, escalating tensions with Rwanda. Thousands have been displaced, and international pressure mounts for peace talks as fears of wider conflict increase.
Gunfire echoed through the streets of Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as M23 rebels declared its capture. This announcement came despite a United Nations Security Council plea for the offensive to cease. The DRC government has termed this move by the rebels, alleged to be backed by Rwanda, as a “declaration of war,” exacerbating fears among Goma’s two million inhabitants amid widespread panic.
The M23 announcement coincided with a 48-hour ultimatum for Congolese troops to surrender, urging calm among civilians and military personnel. Witnesses confirmed the presence of heavily armed rebels in central Goma, with reports detailing their advances following a prolonged conflict with the Congolese army on the city’s periphery. This situation has compelled thousands residing in the mineral-rich eastern DRC to flee.
Goma’s struggle encapsulates over three decades of conflict rooted in regional rivalry, ethnic divisions, and militia violence, contributing to one of the world’s most critical humanitarian crises. In an urgent address, government spokesman Patrick Muyaya declared that the nation is facing a warlike scenario. In response to the incursion, DRC severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda and called for UN sanctions.
Leaders from Kenya have urged reconciliation, with an upcoming summit for DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame. Kenya’s President William Ruto emphasized the regional need for peace, echoing sentiments from the international community. Amid these discussions, DRC’s Foreign Minister expressed deep concern over Rwanda’s military actions, labeling them a blatant violation of sovereignty.
Although Rwanda has dismissed the DRC’s claims, stating the escalation was provoked by Kinshasa, concerns persist regarding Rwanda’s military involvement in support of the M23 rebels. UN reports estimate that Rwanda may have deployed thousands of soldiers to assist in the conflict. The situation remains dire, with calls from the UN asking for the withdrawal of foreign military presence, amidst ongoing clashes that have led to casualties among peacekeepers.
The current conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) involves M23 rebels, a group reportedly supported by Rwanda. The struggle for control of Goma signifies a deeper, prolonged crisis marked by ethnic tensions and militaristic strife over decades. The region has made headlines due to its rich mineral resources, further complicating the conflict’s stakes and drawing attention from international bodies, including the United Nations, advocating for peace and stability.
The situation in Goma highlights the complexities of regional tensions involving armed groups and foreign military support. The DRC government’s response reflects heightened national security concerns amidst calls for international intervention. As diplomatic efforts continue to unfold, the potential for broader conflict looms large, reinforcing the urgent need for solutions that prioritize civilian safety and regional stability.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
