Rwanda-backed M23 rebels reassured Goma residents of their safety following the recent city capture, pledging stability and a return to normalcy. Despite claims of a ceasefire, the rebels continue their advance and face skepticism from the local population. Malawi’s peacekeeping forces plan to withdraw, reflecting the complicated dynamics and ongoing tensions in eastern Congo.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, having recently seized control of Goma, a key city in eastern Congo, hosted a rally on Thursday to reassure residents of their safety and instill a sense of stability. This public demonstration aimed to garner support amidst rising international scrutiny regarding their actions. Corneille Nangaa, the political leader of the M23, declared that Goma had been ‘liberated and sanitized’, promising to restore normalcy by reopening schools and repopulating offices with state agents.
Despite declaring a ceasefire following their successful takeover, M23 rebels have continued to expand their territorial control by capturing another town rich in vital mineral resources. The Congolese government has dismissed these claims of peace as deceptive and highlighted ongoing clashes between government forces and the rebels in other regions. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations express apprehension regarding the safety of displaced individuals amid the conflict.
The international response has also begun, as Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera announced intentions to withdraw peacekeeping troops stationed in eastern Congo. This decision aligns with the M23’s ceasefire declaration and aims to facilitate negotiations for sustainable peace. The cancellations come amidst casualties, including the deaths of three Malawian and 14 South African soldiers in the ongoing fighting.
Local residents continue to express uncertainty regarding the stability brought by M23. Emmanuel Kakule, a Goma inhabitant, articulated his apprehensions about the situation, stating, ‘I came to listen to their project. I don’t know if I’m convinced… We’re still afraid.’ This sentiment underscores the doubts about the rebels’ promises of safety and stability in the region.
Recent conflicts in eastern Congo have seen the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwandan troops, gaining significant ground, including the capture of Goma—previously a humanitarian hub. The region has long been fraught with violence, with over 100 armed groups vying for power amid vast mineral wealth critical for global technology. This resurgence of the M23 poses renewed challenges for international peace efforts and local governance.
The recent capture and subsequent rally by M23 rebels in Goma highlight their desire to consolidate power under the facade of stability. Despite assurances of safety for Goma’s residents, skepticism remains prevalent among the population and international observers. The conflicting narratives between the rebels and the Congolese government, alongside ongoing violence, complicate the path to peace in a historically volatile region.
Original Source: apnews.com
