In Goma, eastern Congo, fears escalate as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claim to have seized the city, with gunfire reported overnight. Various residents have begun to flee towards Rwanda amidst rising tensions. The situation threatens to further destabilize a region already grappling with humanitarian crises, as U.N. officials condemn the rebel actions and the Congolese government declares a state of war. The current conflict has also resulted in casualties among U.N. peacekeepers.
Residents of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, woke up in fear after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claimed to have seized control. Gunfire was reported overnight, and armed men in military uniforms were seen marching into the city, raising uncertainty about the situation. Official confirmation from the Congolese government regarding the takeover remains pending, but the escalating conflict raises concerns for the region.
The M23 rebel group, which has been a significant player in the ongoing conflict, briefly captured Goma in 2012 and has resurged since late 2021. As hostilities intensify, analysts indicate it may destabilize an already fragile region that is home to millions of displaced individuals. A United Nations report states that over 6 million people are displaced across Congo, with North Kivu being heavily affected.
In a late statement, the U.N. Security Council condemned the M23’s actions urging the rebels to withdraw immediately. The statement addressed the violation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s sovereignty and called for an end to parallel governance efforts by the rebels. The M23 had announced their advance as a deadline for Congolese security forces to surrender weapons approached.
Government officials have declared a state of war, blaming Rwanda for aggressive actions and emphasizing the severance of diplomatic relations. Reports indicate that Goma has been a battleground, with residents fleeing towards Rwanda amid violent confrontations. Many people have shared their experiences of seeking shelter as soldiers engaged across the border.
The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Congo braces for challenges as the ongoing conflict claims lives, with recent reports indicating the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers. The Uruguayan contingent serving within the UN mission confirmed the surrender of over 100 Congolese soldiers. With essential routes blocked and the airport shut down, the situation in Goma remains tenuous and dire.
The conflict in eastern Congo, rooted in historical tensions and regional disputes, has seen the rise of numerous armed groups, including M23, which is supported by Rwanda. This ongoing violence has displaced millions and led to various humanitarian crises in the region. The situation has intensified recently, with numerous conflicts reported between the M23 and Congolese forces, exacerbating the struggle for control over resource-rich territories.
As the situation in Goma unfolds, the fear among residents and the response from the international community signify the urgency of de-escalating the conflict. The M23’s claims of control, coupled with dire humanitarian conditions, highlight the complexities of identities, local governance, and international relations in the region. It remains imperative that peacekeeping efforts are supported to restore stability and protect civilians.
Original Source: apnews.com
