The M23 rebels reportedly captured Goma, DRC, with the United Nations noting mass panic among its residents. The Congolese government condemned the move as a declaration of war, while international calls for a ceasefire intensified. The ongoing violence threatens to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region, which is already experiencing significant displacement among its population.
On Monday, January 27, the M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, claimed to have seized control of Goma, the largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This announcement preceded a deadline imposed by the rebels for the Congolese army to surrender. The UN reported significant panic among Goma’s two million residents, while the Congolese government denounced the rebel advance as a declaration of war.
The offensive by the M23 rebels threatens to worsen one of Africa’s protracted conflicts, with a substantial portion of North Kivu province’s population already displaced. United Nations peacekeeping forces began facilitating the surrender of Congolese soldiers on the city’s outskirts. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya urged for civilian protection amidst what he described as a rapidly changing war situation.
The situation has drawn international attention, with both the United States and France advocating for a ceasefire and urging Rwanda to withdraw its support for the M23. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the offensive, reiterating France’s support for the DRC’s sovereignty. As the conflict escalated, UN peacekeepers reported being trapped, citing blocked roads and a non-operational airport.
In a desperate bid to evacuate personnel, UN buses prepared to transport staff and their families from Goma to Rwanda. The Security Council condemned the M23’s advances, insisting on their immediate withdrawal. The M23’s territorial expansion can be attributed to failed peace negotiations and increasing violence in the area, further complicating the political landscape.
UN representative Bintou Keita highlighted the dangerous tactics employed by M23, including the use of local residents as human shields during their advance. The DRC’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, accused Rwanda of direct aggression, citing a breakdown in diplomatic relations. Despite Rwanda’s denial of support for the faction, evidence suggests their involvement is significant.
In recent days, UN peacekeepers suffered losses, emphasizing the dire situation in Goma, with local civilians fleeing the violence. As fears mount over a potential large-scale humanitarian crisis, DRC’s government engages its military, bolstered by UN and regional forces, to counter the M23’s aggression. The resilience and actions of the Congolese army are crucial in this uncertain conflict as they aim to protect the population and restore stability.
The current crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in Goma, has historical roots in complex ethnic tensions and political instability. The M23 rebellion, composed predominantly of ethnic Tutsis, has emerged as one of many armed groups vying for control in the mineral-rich region. The DRC government has long accused Rwanda of backing M23, a claim Rwanda denies while simultaneously advocating for its national security interests in the region. The role of international peacekeepers, particularly the United Nations, further complicates the situation as they attempt to mediate amidst ongoing violence.
The M23 rebels’ capture of Goma raises alarming concerns for the safety of civilians and the future stability of the DRC. International calls for a ceasefire and condemnation of the offensive highlight the gravity of the situation. With historical tensions and complex geopolitical dynamics at play, the potential for further humanitarian crises looms, necessitating immediate action and dialogue from regional powers and international stakeholders to resolve the conflict and secure peace for the affected populations.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
