The UN has reported nearly 3,000 deaths in Goma, DRC, after rebels seized control of the city following intense fighting. A ceasefire announced by the Alliance Fleuve Congo has not halted ongoing violence, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis, with heavy fighting reported, particularly in areas bordering South Kivu.
The United Nations reports that approximately 3,000 fatalities have occurred in Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following a takeover by rebel forces engaging in intense conflict with the Congolese army. Vivian van de Perre, deputy head of the UN mission in DRC, indicated that 2,000 bodies have been retrieved from the streets, with an additional 900 in local morgues.
Despite the rebel coalition, Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), announcing a ceasefire, the Congolese government has dismissed this as insincere, and fighting continues in various areas including South Kivu province. The DRC has been plagued by violence due to ethnic tensions and control over valuable mineral resources, leading to a significant humanitarian crisis in the region.
M23, a principal group in the rebel coalition, has been accused of being supported by Rwanda, which denies such claims while asserting the need to safeguard its security in eastern DRC. Since 2022, M23 has been reasserting its influence, particularly in North Kivu, a mineral-rich area critical for global technology production.
UN officials have expressed growing concern over the stability of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, as the rebel forces intensify their movements towards the city. Reports indicate that M23 is consolidating its hold on Goma while claiming to protect civilians from further violence.
The DRC government has not officially acknowledged the rebels’ takeover but recognizes their presence in Goma, with an assertion that the region remains under siege. The humanitarian situation is dire, with many civilians displaced and seeking refuge in UN peacekeeping bases, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, primarily fueled by ethnic divisions and competition for control over land and mineral wealth. This ongoing turmoil, which includes multiple rebel groups like M23, has resulted in one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, characterized by widespread violence, displacement of civilians, and significant loss of life. The city of Goma, strategically located near border regions rich in resources such as coltan, has become a focal point in the conflict, affecting both local and international stakeholders. The involvement of neighboring countries, particularly Rwanda, in the conflict remains a contentious issue that complicates peace efforts.
In summary, the situation in Goma, DRC, is dire, with nearly 3,000 confirmed deaths following the rebel takeover. Despite the declaration of a ceasefire by the rebels, violent clashes persist, exacerbating humanitarian conditions. The international community watches with concern as rebel groups, particularly M23, gain territory and threaten further destabilization in the region, emphasizing the need for both humanitarian aid and a durable political solution.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
