Armed group M23, backed by Rwanda, has seized Goma’s airport amid escalating violence, causing over 100 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries. Goma faces a humanitarian crisis with overwhelmed hospitals and mass displacements. Protests against foreign embassies erupted in Kinshasa as the UN warns of potential ethnic tensions returning to the region. Meetings between DRC and Rwanda’s leaders are scheduled as both nations grapple with ongoing conflict and humanitarian challenges.
An armed faction, the M23, allegedly backed by Rwandan forces, has reportedly taken control of the airport in Goma, a key city in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Following three days of intense combat that resulted in over 100 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries, Goma, located in North Kivu province, faces imminent danger. The M23 has previously made significant territorial gains, further jeopardizing the beleaguered Congolese military’s efforts in the area.
Street battles have left Goma in disarray, with M23 militants purportedly claiming dominance over various city sectors. A security source indicated that more than 1,200 Congolese soldiers have surrendered at the airport, further illustrating the Congolese military’s precarious situation. This shocking offensive signifies a deepening crisis in the DRC’s eastern regions, reminiscent of the historical turmoil linked to the Rwandan genocide.
The conflict has catalyzed a humanitarian disaster, prompting warnings from the United Nations about the displacement of hundreds of thousands, exacerbated food shortages, and looted aid supplies. Hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed, struggling to cope with the influx of patients due to the violence. The influx of refugees has also substantially increased in recent days, as exemplified by the statement from Destin Jamaica Kela, who reported fleeing when bombings escalated in the city.
In response to the turmoil, protests erupted in Kinshasa, targeting various embassies, including those of Rwanda, France, and the United States, among others. The U.S. Embassy has advised citizens to leave the country following these attacks. Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed its concern over the conditions in Goma’s hospitals, which are unable to accommodate the number of wounded civilians.
The UN Security Council has acknowledged the risk of renewed ethnic strife, referencing documented ethnically motivated attacks in Goma. The African Union has also intervened, calling for the M23 to disarm without directly naming Rwanda. Accusations against Rwanda from the DRC government pertain to resource exploitation amid persistent regional conflicts, though Rwanda claims its actions are aimed at combating the threat posed by the FDLR, a group associated with the previous genocide.
A meeting has been scheduled to involve leaders from DRC and Rwanda amidst the escalating conflict. Historically, the M23 previously occupied Goma in 2012 but was expelled due to joint military efforts. The group resurfaced in late 2021, and a ceasefire established in August has failed to maintain stability, culminating in failed negotiations last month.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s east region has been embroiled in conflict for decades, exacerbated by historical grievances stemming from the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The M23 group, primarily composed of Tutsi fighters, has been accused of using Rwandan support to gain territorial control in the mineral-rich North Kivu province. The ongoing violence has disastrous humanitarian implications, affecting countless civilians through displacement, food shortages, and inadequate medical care.
The situation in Goma reflects a deeply entrenched conflict, driven by regional rivalries and historical trauma. With the M23 now controlling key strategic locations like the airport, the Congolese army faces significant challenges ahead. Humanitarian crises continue to mount, prompting international concern and calls for intervention. The urgency for a peaceful resolution remains critical to restore stability and address the needs of displaced populations.
Original Source: www.wfxg.com
