M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have claimed control of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, amid ongoing violence and humanitarian issues. The Congolese military struggles to defend the city, facing high casualties. The situation remains tense, with international support and calls for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces. Long-term regional conflicts and power dynamics continue to complicate the stability of eastern Congo.
In Goma, located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, government forces appear to have succumbed as M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, claim control over the city. Gunfire resonated throughout Sunday, prompting thousands of residents to flee toward the city center. The civilian population has sought refuge amid widespread power outages and damaged infrastructures, resulting in fears of imminent danger from advancing rebels.
The eastern Congo has been embroiled in conflict for over thirty years, largely stemming from the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The M23, comprised mainly of Congolese Tutsi, resurfaced in 2012 and previously captured Goma before retreating. After launching a renewed offensive in late 2021, M23 swiftly gained territory in North Kivu province, asserting its role in protecting minority groups such as the Tutsi.
As tensions escalated, the M23 issued an ultimatum to Congolese forces, demanding their surrender within 48 hours. Congolese military forces, bolstered by international support from the UN, European contractors, and local militias, have struggled to resist the advance of the M23. An additional regional military presence involving troops from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi has been deployed to assist in the attempts to maintain order.
Recent violence has led to casualties, including fatalities among UN peacekeepers and regional military personnel. In response to the deteriorating security situation, the United Nations evacuated most of its civilian staff from Goma as humanitarian assistance becomes increasingly tenuous for hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals in the area.
The government of Rwanda has been officially linked to the M23 by the UN and other international entities, with reports indicating up to 4,000 Rwandan troops operating within North Kivu alongside advanced military resources. Despite long-held denial from Rwanda regarding its involvement, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces in light of recent developments.
As fighting continued, the situation remained precarious, particularly with ongoing artillery fire reported throughout the city. Official Congolese military spokesperson General Sylvain Ekenge asserted the commitment to defend Goma, indicating that a full-scale conflict could be imminent, despite avoidance of a formal declaration of war against Rwanda.
The takeover of Goma by M23 rebels, with reported support from Rwanda, has revived a long-standing conflict in eastern Congo. This situation has resulted in severe humanitarian crises amidst military engagements and regional tensions, exacerbating the already precarious conditions for vulnerable populations. The international community remains vigilant, as calls for de-escalation and peacekeeping efforts continue to mount amid increasing instability.
Original Source: www.gpb.org
