Rwandan-backed M23 forces have taken Goma’s airport in the DRC, leading to over 100 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries within three days of fighting. The situation has prompted mass displacements and overwhelmed hospitals, spurring protests in Kinshasa against perceived foreign intervention. The African Union has called for the M23 to disarm amid rising tensions between Rwanda and the DRC government.
An armed group supported by Rwandan troops has seized control of the Goma airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), escalating a conflict that has resulted in over 100 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries within three days of fierce combat. The fighting has displaced approximately half a million people and overwhelmed local hospitals.
The M23 armed group, consisting predominantly of Tutsi fighters, has made significant territorial gains in North Kivu province, effectively encroaching upon Goma, the region’s capital. Reports indicate that more than 1,200 Congolese soldiers have surrendered to the M23 at the airport, reflecting the deteriorating situation for the Congolese army.
In an urgent humanitarian crisis, civilians have fled, with testimonies highlighting the dire conditions; one refugee recounted witnessing widespread violence and casualties. The International Committee of the Red Cross has signaled serious concern over Goma’s healthcare capabilities being overwhelmed, with patients lying on the floor due to overcrowding.
As violence escalates, protests have erupted in Kinshasa, targeting embassies of nations allegedly complicit in supporting the M23. The protests have prompted warnings from the US Embassy to American citizens to leave the country amid the rising tensions.
The African Union has intervened, calling for the M23 to disarm, while the DRC government condemned the vague international responses that fail to explicitly address Rwanda’s involvement. Tensions remain high as a crisis summit convenes between leaders of the DRC and Rwanda.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu province, has its roots in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide of 1994. The region has long been plagued by violence due to the activities of various armed groups, including the Tutsi-led M23. The international community continues to grapple with the ramifications of these conflicts as efforts to establish lasting peace have repeatedly faltered, leading to significant humanitarian crises.
The precarious situation in Goma represents a critical turning point in the DRC’s ongoing conflict, marked by significant military and humanitarian challenges. The M23’s advancements and the involvement of Rwandan forces underscore the urgent need for international intervention and support for the Congolese government. As hostilities escalate, the lives of countless civilians remain at risk, highlighting the necessity for a comprehensive and effective response to the crisis.
Original Source: www.kulr8.com
