Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have taken full control of Goma, DRC’s regional capital, after fierce battles. The takeover has left civilians vulnerable as they confront life under rebel rule. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and residents face severe shortages of essential services.
The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have successfully seized Goma, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s regional capital. Following intense confrontations with Congolese forces over the span of three days, the rebel faction has now secured the city’s airport and the border with Rwanda, bringing an end to the preceding gunfire and shelling that defined the area.
With Goma being a humanitarian hub that has sheltered countless civilians fleeing insurgencies, the atmosphere within the city is now governed by the M23’s authority. Families, primarily women and children, who sought refuge from the escalating violence now face an uncertain future under the insurgents’ regime.
Healthcare facilities in Goma are overwhelmed with injuries resulting from recent conflicts, significantly affecting local residents. Many citizens find themselves confined within their homes, deprived of essential utilities such as electricity, running water, and mobile internet.
The rapid territorial expansion of the M23, which includes control over valuable mines and supply routes in eastern DRC, culminated in their takeover of Goma. While Goma may not appear strategically significant, it serves as a critical foothold for further operations in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced ongoing unrest, particularly in its eastern regions, due to numerous rebel groups, including the M23 faction. The M23, originally composed of former Congolese Tutsi soldiers, aims to address grievances stemming from the Congolese government’s inability to protect its citizens amidst ongoing violence. In recent years, Rwanda has been implicated in supporting the M23, exacerbating tensions in the region and complicating humanitarian efforts.
The successful takeover of Goma by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels significantly alters the political and humanitarian landscape in eastern DRC. As civilians struggle with the consequences of this insurgency, the implications of M23’s control over critical supply routes and the humanitarian situation pose significant challenges. The outcomes of this conflict remain unpredictable as local and international communities monitor the evolving situation.
Original Source: news.sky.com
