Battles have intensified between the DRC army and M23 rebels outside Goma, leading Western nations to urge citizens to evacuate amid fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis. Over 400,000 people have been displaced, and MONUSCO forces have engaged in combat with the rebels. The situation continues to escalate with ongoing diplomatic failures in resolving the conflict.
Battles between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) army and M23 rebel fighters have intensified near Goma, prompting the United Kingdom, United States, and France to advise their citizens to evacuate the area due to rapid escalation fears. The unrest follows a breakdown in peace talks, resulting in M23 extending its territorial control amid a growing humanitarian crisis affecting Goma, a city of one million.
The United Nations peacekeeping force, MONUSCO, announced its engagement in intense combat alongside the DRC military against the M23. In recent days, they reported heavy artillery operations directed at rebel positions, reflecting the seriousness of the conflict that has caused over 400,000 people to be displaced within North Kivu province this year alone.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm over the renewed hostilities, as humanitarian conditions worsen. Matthew Saltmarsh, a UN refugee agency spokesman, highlighted the dire situation, stating that civilians from various displacement camps have been compelled to seek refuge in Goma amidst heavy bombardments.
Military engagements have been reported approximately 20 kilometers from Goma, with disruptions in mobile and internet communication adding to the chaos. Witnesses noted helicopters and other military aircraft engaged in operations against M23 positions, indicating a significant military response to the rebel advances.
In light of these developments, President Felix Tshisekedi convened a defense council meeting, following the death of the military governor, General Peter Cirimwami, due to gunfire near the front lines. As the conflict escalates, civilians are increasingly fleeing towards Goma, with medical teams attending to numerous injured individuals in the city’s hospital.
The M23, which had previously occupied Goma in 2012, remains a pivotal player in the ongoing violence that has plagued eastern DRC for decades. Diplomatic negotiations for a peaceful resolution have failed, and recent offers for mediation, including Turkey’s proposal, have thus far been unproductive. The situation remains critical as military and humanitarian dynamics evolve.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced ongoing turmoil in its eastern regions, particularly in North Kivu province, due to conflict involving various militia groups, notably the M23. This group is reportedly backed by external actors, including Rwandan forces, which has contributed to significant territorial control changes and a humanitarian crisis affecting the local population. The UN has been actively involved in peacekeeping efforts, but diplomatic resolutions have not yielded stable ceasefires, further complicating the humanitarian landscape.
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly around Goma, has escalated significantly, prompting Western nations to advise their citizens to evacuate. The DRC military, backed by UN peacekeeping forces, continues to engage in combat against M23 rebels amid alarming humanitarian conditions leading to mass displacements. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis face challenges, underscoring the complexity of the situation in this historically volatile region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
