Congolese rebels have claimed the capture of Goma, prompting significant military developments and a mass exodus. The M23 rebel group issued a surrender ultimatum to government forces, while concerns over ongoing violence and humanitarian issues continue to rise. Power outages and sporadic gunfire have been reported in the city, marking an increase in tensions in the region.
On Sunday, Congolese rebel leaders declared their capture of Goma, the eastern city known for its mineral wealth, following a rapid military advance. Corneille Nangaa, head of the Congo River Alliance comprising M23 rebels, reported that they had issued an ultimatum for government forces to surrender by 3:00 a.m. local time. However, independent verification of complete rebel control over the city has been challenging.
The M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, intensified their offensive in the volatile eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this month. By Sunday evening, they had advanced significantly, even past the Munigi neighborhood, which lies approximately 9 kilometers from Goma’s center. Nangaa emphasized their plans for an imminent takeover of the city, indicating further escalation in the conflict.
In a strategic move, the rebels had previously permitted Congolese army officers to depart Goma via boat bound for Bukavu. Willy Ngoma, a spokesperson for M23, stated that the government forces were given a 48-hour ultimatum to surrender their arms, which has now lapsed. He instructed those surrendering to gather at a local stadium as part of the handover process.
Reports from Goma indicate sporadic gunfire in various districts after night fell, although the origin of the shooting remained unclear. Additionally, residents experienced disruptions in power supply, leaving much of the city in darkness. The ongoing situation raises significant concerns regarding humanitarian implications and the potential for regional conflict escalation.
The situation in Goma is a reflection of the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, characterized by the involvement of various rebel groups and regional powers. The M23, originally created in 2012, has resurfaced amid renewed tensions, drawing responses from both the Congolese government and international observers. The city of Goma, with its strategic importance and mineral resources, often becomes the focal point of these aggressive military actions, highlighting the intricate web of local and international relations in the region.
Recent developments in Goma illustrate the growing strength of the M23 rebel alliance amidst ongoing regional tensions. With the declaration of the city’s capture and the impending surrender of government forces, the situation remains precarious. As gunfire persists and infrastructure suffers, the humanitarian ramifications could prove dire, warranting urgent attention from the international community.
Original Source: www.hawaiitribune-herald.com
