M23 rebels have claimed control of Goma, prompting alarm in the DRC. The government labeled the advance as a “declaration of war” by Rwanda. Eyewitnesses reported armed M23 fighters in the city, while the conflict threatens to escalate into a broader regional war. International calls for peace continue amidst rising tensions.
Gunfire erupted in Goma, the largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following claims by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels that they had taken control of the city. This announcement came despite a United Nations Security Council appeal for an end to hostilities. The DRC government characterized this move as a “declaration of war” by Rwanda, causing widespread panic among Goma’s two million residents.
The M23 rebels declared the city captured just before a 48-hour ultimatum for Congolese troops to surrender expired. They called on Goma’s population to remain calm and directed DRC military personnel to gather at the central stadium. Eyewitnesses reported seeing armed rebels enter Goma, underscoring the deteriorating situation on the ground.
The M23 offensive has displaced thousands in the resource-rich eastern DRC, raising concerns that the long-standing regional conflicts could escalate into a broader war. Fighting between M23 forces, the Congolese army, and UN peacekeepers has intensified near Goma over recent days. The ongoing clashes are part of a complex history involving regional rivalries and armed militia conflicts that have plagued the area for over thirty years.
In response to the crisis, DRC government spokesman Patrick Muyaya called for civilian protection and declared that the country is now facing a war environment. In reaction to M23’s advances, the DRC severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda and requested UN sanctions against their neighbor. Kenya’s leadership has urged for a peace summit between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to address the escalating tensions.
The current conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo primarily involves the M23 rebels, an armed group believed to be supported by Rwanda. This region has been a battleground for various factions for decades, with ethnic tensions and geopolitical rivalries exacerbating the situation. The humanitarian impact of ongoing violence has been severe, resulting in thousands of displaced persons and a crisis with far-reaching implications. The DRC and Rwanda have a contentious history, contributing to the complexity of the present conflict.
The situation in Goma highlights the fragile security environment in the eastern DRC, marked by escalating tensions between armed groups and government forces. The international community, represented by the UN, has called for an end to hostilities and the withdrawal of external military support, particularly from Rwanda. Continuing diplomatic efforts will be essential to prevent further escalation and to ensure the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire of this ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
