In Goma, Congo’s forces battled Rwanda-backed rebels advancing into the city, leading to intensified combat and a growing humanitarian crisis. The M23 rebels, linked to Rwanda, have made significant territorial gains, prompting military and civil protests. Reports indicate severe civilian casualties and escalating demands for peace talks.
In Goma, Congo’s security forces engaged in combat against Rwanda-backed rebels amid escalating hostilities. Local residents reported gunfire and explosions near Goma’s airport. The city, home to nearly 2 million people, has become a focal point in eastern Congo’s protracted conflict involving multiple armed factions, notably the M23 rebels who have seized control of significant areas in recent days.
Goma’s strategic significance stems from its pivotal role in trade and humanitarian operations, housing a substantial population affected by ongoing ethnic tensions. The M23 rebels, alongside various other armed groups, have previously occupied Goma. Their resurgence in late 2021, bolstered allegedly by Rwandan support, has exacerbated tensions and violence both within the city and across the broader region.
The situation in Goma highlights a troubling escalation in conflict, with substantial human suffering reported. Calls for immediate international intervention and renewed peace processes are becoming increasingly urgent. Leaders are facing scrutiny as protests in Kinshasa reflect widespread frustration over the government’s handling of the crisis, revealing a landscape fraught with humanitarian and political challenges.
Original Source: www.local10.com
