M23 rebels claim control over Goma, prompting mass panic among residents. The DRC government denounces the incursion as a declaration of war. UN peacekeepers reported military surrenders as tensions escalate, while international voices call for a ceasefire and resolution to the crisis.
Early on Monday, January 27, M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, proclaimed the capture of Goma, the largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The United Nations reported significant panic among Goma’s 2 million inhabitants, while the DRC government described the rebel incursion as a declaration of war. The M23 rebels had issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the Congolese military to surrender their arms before taking action.
The conflict in the eastern DRC has deep roots, often fueled by competition over the region’s rich mineral resources. The M23 group, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis who had defected from the Congolese army, has a history of engaging in violent confrontations, alongside accusations against Rwanda for supplying support to these rebels. This latest episode marks an escalation in ongoing tensions that have persisted for years, with serious repercussions for civilians.
The situation in Goma remains critical as fears grow over the potential for widespread violence. International calls for a ceasefire and peace negotiations are urgent, highlighting the need for accountability regarding the ongoing conflict. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with thousands of civilians displaced, and the conflict’s impact on regional stability remains a pressing concern.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
