M23 rebels have taken full control of Goma, DRC’s regional capital, following intense fighting with Congolese forces. The takeover grants them control over the city’s airport and its border with Rwanda. Hospitals are overwhelmed with injured civilians, while many residents struggle without basic services. Goma’s capture is strategically significant due to the area’s valuable resources.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have decisively taken control of Goma, a major city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following intense combat with Congolese forces. With the completion of their takeover, the rebels now oversee Goma’s airport and the crucial border with Rwanda. The situation has transformed as gunfire and artillery shelling, previously pervasive in the area, have finally ceased, signaling an end to fierce hostilities.
The city of Goma serves as an essential humanitarian center, accommodating numerous displaced individuals fleeing the ongoing M23 insurgency from nearby regions. As the rebels advanced, a significant influx of women and children sought refuge deeper within Goma, now confronted with the uncertainty of living under rebel governance. Their future remains precarious amidst the ongoing turmoil.
Local hospitals have become overwhelmed with casualties from the clashes, severely exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as many residents find themselves trapped without basic services such as electricity, running water, or mobile communications. The extensive territories in eastern DRC now under M23’s control are critical due to their rich mineral resources and vital supply routes, underscoring the importance of Goma for the insurgents’ strategic objectives.
The M23 rebel group, emerging from earlier conflicts and claiming to advocate for the rights of Tutsi populations, has been notable for its military engagements since its formation. The ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC has deep-seated roots in ethnic tensions, historical grievances, and competition for valuable resources. The capture of Goma is a pivotal moment, as it not only signifies military accomplishment for the M23 but also poses significant threats to regional stability and humanitarian conditions.
The complete takeover of Goma by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels highlights the group’s growing influence in eastern DRC amidst a complex humanitarian crisis. As residents face the daunting challenges of life under rebel control, critical infrastructure has deteriorated, increasing the vulnerability of countless civilians. The implications of this takeover extend beyond military control, impacting humanitarian efforts and regional security in the long term.
Original Source: news.sky.com
