Residents of Goma are waking up to uncertainty after M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, claimed control of the city. Gunfire was reported overnight, causing panic. The situation has raised alarms amidst a humanitarian crisis, with over six million displaced in the region, pushing the U.N. Security Council to condemn the M23’s actions and call for a reversal of their advances.
Residents of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, awoke in fear on Monday after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claimed to have seized control of the city. Gunfire echoed through the streets overnight, with unconfirmed reports of armed men seen marching into Goma. Cheer from some locals accompanied the military presence, but the situation remains unclear, as the Congolese government has yet to verify these developments.
The M23 rebel group, significantly backed by Rwanda, has a history of conflict in the region, previously capturing Goma in 2012. Their resurgence began in 2021, intensifying with Rwanda’s support, though Rwanda denies such involvement. This year’s escalation comes amid a humanitarian crisis, with over six million displaced individuals in the region.
In a statement, the U.N. Security Council condemned the M23 for undermining the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) sovereignty. They demanded that the rebels cease establishing alternative administrations in the conflict-ridden territory. Following a tense ultimatum for disarmament, the rebels declared Goma within their control and asked the Congolese military to gather at the central stadium, appealing for calm among residents.
Congolese officials stated that the nation is in a state of war, attributing direct aggression to Rwanda, an accusation that led to a diplomatic rupture between the two countries. The clash is a culmination of ongoing battles, with various towns falling to the rebels over recent weeks. Hundreds of Goma residents attempted to flee to Rwanda, carrying their possessions amid chaos and violence.
Bintou Keita, the U.N.’s special representative for Congo, stated during an emergency meeting that the situation is dire, underscoring the closure of the airport and roadblocks. Alarmingly, at least 13 U.N. peacekeepers have lost their lives in the recent violence, highlighting the escalating conflict. The Uruguayan contingent of U.N. peacekeepers reported that over a hundred Congolese soldiers had surrendered amid the turmoil.
The conflict in Eastern Congo has persisted for decades, involving approximately 100 armed groups, with the M23 rebel group being one of the most prominent. This region is rich in minerals but has faced severe humanitarian crises, resulting in massive displacements and a reliance on the United Nations peacekeeping force. Tensions with neighboring Rwanda have marred the political landscape, with accusations of support for rebel factions adding to the instability.
The situation in Goma reflects the ongoing battle for control in Eastern Congo, exacerbated by the M23 rebel group’s resurgence and foreign involvement. With fears for civilian safety and massive displacement, the international community faces urgency in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Diplomatic efforts seem stalled, while military tensions threaten to escalate further, highlighting the necessity for immediate action to restore stability.
Original Source: apnews.com
