Rebels in the DRC have claimed to capture Goma, raising fears of a regional war due to suspected Rwandan involvement. M23, predominantly composed of Tutsis, aims to protect their interests against Hutu militias. The city is vital for trade and humanitarian aid, and its loss would endanger civilians significantly.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has escalated as Rwanda-backed rebels purportedly seized control of the significant city of Goma. The M23 rebel group, which claims to defend Tutsi interests against Hutu militias, has garnered reports of hundreds of daily casualties, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region. The situation remains extremely volatile, with international concerns growing over a potential invasion by Rwandan forces operating alongside the rebels.
The DRC has faced a prolonged conflict rooted in ethnic tensions, particularly between Hutus and Tutsis. The M23 group emerged from a failed peace accord in 2009 and accuses the DRC government of failing to fully integrate Tutsis into national structures. Critics argue that the renewed conflict serves as a guise for Rwandan interests in the region, particularly in areas rich in minerals such as coltan, crucial for electronic manufacturing.
The seizure of Goma by M23 rebels and potential Rwandan involvement symbolize a worrying escalation in the DRC conflict. The implications for regional stability are profound, as the DRC’s declaration of war against Rwanda could ignite a larger East African conflict. The humanitarian impact on civilians in Goma heightens the urgency for international intervention and resolution.
Original Source: news.sky.com
