The Congolese government has denounced the M23 rebels’ ceasefire as false amid reports of continued fighting. The M23 has captured Goma, while civilians mourn the rising death toll, which could be as high as 2,000. The U.N. calls for urgent aid and dialogue to resolve the escalating conflict in the region.
GOMA, Congo (AP) — The Congolese government condemned the recent ceasefire declared by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels as a “false communication.” Reports of ongoing clashes between the rebels and government forces continue to surface, despite the M23’s claims of a humanitarian ceasefire aimed at facilitating aid access for displaced populations. Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya asserted that the government’s primary expectation is the withdrawal of the M23 from the region.
The M23 rebels seized control of Goma, a strategically significant city with a population of two million, last week and have been making advances in eastern Congo, including an approach towards the provincial capital Bukavu. While the U.N. has noted heavy fighting in South Kivu, they have not confirmed reports of the M23 moving closer to Bukavu. U.N. experts estimate that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops are backing the M23, a significantly higher number compared to the rebel group’s previous incursions in 2012.
The government of Congo has expressed willingness to engage in discussions aimed at resolving the conflict, emphasizing that dialogues should adhere to prior peace agreements, which Rwanda and the M23 claim Congo has not honored. In response to the growing violence, Congo’s interior minister announced that the death toll stands at 2,000, alleging that these casualties were victims of massacres committed by Rwandan forces. No immediate comments from Rwanda have been reported.
The U.N. health agency previously reported that at least 900 individuals have been killed in the conflict surrounding Goma. As families mourn, the need for peace grows dire. Elisha Dunia, a grieving father, described the heart-wrenching sight of his child’s burial, urging for peace to prevail in Congo. Others echoed a similar sentiment, imploring their leaders to end the war before it claims more lives.
Bruno Lemarquis, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Congo, advocated for the urgent reopening of Goma’s airport, characterizing it as essential for evacuating those injured and facilitating aid delivery during this critical time of crisis.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has deep historical roots, with various armed groups vying for control over territories rich in valuable minerals. The M23 rebel group has been one of the most formidable factions in the area and has received backing from Rwanda, which has been accused of involvement in the conflict since it seized Goma. The region remains unstable, with ongoing clashes exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, leading to mass displacement and high casualty rates.
The situation in eastern Congo remains precarious, with the Congolese government rejecting the M23’s ceasefire claim and asserting its place in ongoing hostilities. The escalating violence has led to significant fatalities, with the U.N. calling for urgent humanitarian responses. The need for a constructive dialogue to end the conflict has become increasingly critical, as local and international leaders prepare to discuss potential resolutions in the coming days.
Original Source: apnews.com
