Ongoing fighting in Goma, DRC, involves M23 rebels claiming control with support from Rwandan troops. The situation is chaotic, impacting civilians severely, including casualties from artillery strikes. U.N. officials describe the region as volatile, with essential services compromised and relief operations endangered.
Fighting in Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), remains intense, according to Bruno Lemarquis, a senior U.N. official. On Monday, the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels asserted their control over the city, indicating that the conflict is far from resolved. Combat zones have expanded to encompass all neighborhoods in Goma, demonstrating the widespread nature of the violence.
The M23 militia, which is primarily composed of ethnic Tutsi, has taken a significant hold of Goma, a vital center for millions of displaced individuals and humanitarian efforts. Additionally, Congolese forces engaged in fierce exchanges of fire with Rwandan troops across the border, marking a severe escalation in the ongoing conflict that has persisted for over a decade. U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix acknowledged the presence of Rwandan troops supporting the M23, although specific troop numbers remain uncertain.
Lemarquis described the conditions in eastern Congo as “volatile and dangerous,” noting that U.N. peacekeepers are maintaining their positions at this critical juncture. He further highlighted incidents of artillery fire targeting Goma’s center, which tragically struck a maternity hospital, leading to the death and injury of civilians, including vulnerable newborns and pregnant women.
The current humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by disruptions to internet access, as well as sporadic phone service and insufficient water and electricity supply in Goma. The U.N. mission, which comprises nearly 11,000 peacekeepers, is undergoing changes, shifting non-essential staff to Uganda amid these escalating tensions.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has long been embroiled in conflict, particularly in its eastern regions where ethnic tensions and rebel insurgencies have persisted for years. The M23 militant group, which claims to represent the interests of the Tutsi population, has been a key player in the violence. Goma, strategically located near the Rwanda border, serves as a critical hub for humanitarian aid but has increasingly fallen victim to violence and military confrontations.
In summary, the situation in Goma is dire as fighting continues unabated, with M23 rebels claiming control over the city amidst active conflict involving Rwandan forces. The U.N. has reported significant civilian casualties and critical humanitarian challenges, further complicating the ongoing efforts to stabilize eastern DRC. The international community is urged to pay attention to the deteriorating conditions and to support peacebuilding efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
