M23 rebels have reportedly captured the city of Goma in the DRC following intense clashes with government forces, prompting a mass exodus of residents. The DRC government denies the capture, but evidence suggests otherwise. Tensions with Rwanda are rising, complicating the humanitarian crisis.
The M23 rebels, identified as ethnic-Tutsi fighters, have reportedly seized Goma, a strategic city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following intense clashes with government forces, resulting in numerous residents fleeing to escape the violence. Despite government denial that Goma has fallen, video evidence circulating online appears to show M23 fighters in control of significant areas within the city.
As the situation escalated, the United Nations Special Representative in the DRC, Bintou Keita, expressed concerns during an emergency meeting about being unable to leave due to blocked roads and the closure of local airports due to the fighting. The conflict comes amid rising tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring Rwanda, compounding one of the worst humanitarian crises in history.
DRC spokesperson Patrick Muyaya urged residents to remain indoors and reject any disruptions such as looting or vandalism, emphasizing that government forces are combating the situation to prevent civilian casualties. He reassured the public that under the guidance of President Felix Tshisekedi, efforts to avert further violence and loss of life were ongoing, asserting, “Not a single centimeter will be given up!”
Furthermore, DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner accused Rwanda of waging war through troop support for the M23 rebels, directly challenging a U.N. resolution that authorized constructing a peacekeeper presence in the DRC. Conversely, Rwanda accused the DRC of aiding insurgent groups aiming to destabilize President Kagame’s regime.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm regarding the M23’s advancements, indicating such actions pose a risk of wider regional conflict. He has called for an immediate cessation of their offensive actions and a withdrawal from occupied territories, urging compliance with a previously established cease-fire agreement.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has its roots in a complex mix of ethnic tensions, political instability, and regional dynamics involving neighboring countries. The M23 rebellion, largely associated with Tutsi populations, has previously engaged in armed conflict against the DRC government, which has accused Rwanda of supporting these insurgents. This latest capture of Goma underscores both a military escalation in the region and a continued humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands displaced recently.
In summary, the takeover of Goma by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels represents a significant escalation in conflict within the Democratic Republic of Congo, with severe implications for national security and civilian safety. As both the DRC government and the international community respond, the situation remains precarious, highlighting the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing violence.
Original Source: www.upi.com
