M23 rebels have reportedly seized Goma in the DRC, prompting government denials and calls for calm amid fierce fighting and mass displacement. Tensions with Rwanda are escalating, and the U.N. warns of potential regional war. Over 178,000 people have been displaced due to the recent conflict, highlighting a significant humanitarian crisis.
On January 27, ethnic-Tutsi M23 rebels reportedly seized the eastern city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo after intense clashes with government forces, causing a mass exodus of local residents. Despite claims from Kinshasa, 1,500 miles away, that the rebels had not captured the city, online videos showed armed fighters asserting control over the streets. U.N. Special Representative Bintou Keita indicated that the ongoing violence rendered her and her team unable to leave the area due to blocked roads and a closed airport.
The situation in Goma has been exacerbated by escalating tensions with neighboring Rwanda, contributing to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya urged residents to remain indoors and refrain from engaging in looting or sharing alleged Rwandan propaganda, emphasizing that efforts were underway to minimize civilian casualties during the conflict. “We wish to reassure the population that… the government continues to work to avoid carnage and loss of human life,” Muyaya stated.
Earlier comments from DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner accused Rwanda of declaring war by supporting the M23 rebels, an act she described as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Conversely, Kigali claimed the DRC was backing Rwandan opposition groups aiming to challenge President Paul Kagame’s regime. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern regarding the escalating M23 offensive, warning that the situation could lead to a regional war and called for an immediate halt to their advancements.
The humanitarian impact has been significant, with over 178,000 individuals displaced from their homes in the past two weeks, primarily from the eastern DRC province of South Kivu. The ongoing conflict is raising alarms regarding security and stability in the region, prompting calls for international attention and intervention as the crisis unfolds.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has long experienced conflict fueled by ethnic tensions, particularly involving groups such as the M23 rebels. These rebels, reportedly supported by Rwanda, have emerged as significant players in the struggle for control over various regions within the DRC, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. As government forces combat these rebels, tensions with Rwanda increase, contributing to a cycle of violence and displacement in an area that has witnessed persistent instability for decades.
In summary, the capture of Goma by M23 rebels marks a critical escalation in ongoing conflict within the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising concerns not only for local civilians but also for regional stability. The DRC government maintains its commitment to protect its citizens, yet the humanitarian consequences of this conflict remain severe. International attention is vital as the situation progresses, given its potential implications for broader regional security.
Original Source: www.upi.com
