Fighting in Goma, DRC, has escalated with claims from Rwandan-backed M23 rebels of controlling the city. U.N. officials report ongoing combat in all neighborhoods, civilian casualties, and deteriorating local services. The situation remains critical, with significant international concern warranted for humanitarian aid and stabilization efforts.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), ongoing fighting was reported in Goma, the largest city in the eastern region. Senior U.N. official Bruno Lemarquis stated that clashes are intensifying and are widespread throughout the city. The situation remains precarious as the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have claimed to seize control of Goma, leading to active combat in all neighborhoods, increasing concerns for civilian safety.
M23 rebels, who previously occupied Goma in 2012, advanced into the city on Monday, prompted firefights between Congolese troops and Rwandan military forces across the border. U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix confirmed the presence of Rwandan troops aiding the M23, complicating the conflict further. With the situation described as volatile, U.N. peacekeepers maintain their positions despite the dangers.
Lemarquis detailed the civilian toll of the conflict, reporting artillery strikes that resulted in casualties among women and newborns, including an attack on a maternity hospital. The United Nations had nearly 11,000 peacekeepers deployed at the end of 2022 to help stabilize the volatile eastern DRC. However, non-essential U.N. personnel are being relocated to Uganda amid the rising tensions.
Communication services in Goma have severely deteriorated, with internet connections cut, and electricity and water supplies disrupted. The humanitarian situation continues to worsen as local reports describe chaos in the region, overwhelming aid groups and compounding challenges for displaced populations. Immediate international attention is crucial to address the escalating conflict and protect civilian lives.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by conflict for more than a decade, primarily driven by ethnic divisions and the influence of neighboring Rwanda. The M23 rebel group, composed mainly of ethnic Tutsis, has engaged in numerous episodes of violence, threatening overall stability in the region. Goma, a strategic city with a population exceeding two million, serves as a critical hub for displaced persons and humanitarian efforts, making its control paramount for both rebels and the government.
The violence in Goma has escalated significantly, with the presence of Rwandan troops further complicating the conflict. Civilian casualties have already been reported, and essential services are in disarray. The United Nations’ continued presence is vital, but immediate international response is essential to alleviate the difficulties faced by the populace and restore stability to the region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
