Congolese rebels have claimed control of Goma after a rapid military advance. They issued a surrender ultimatum to government troops and allowed some military personnel to evacuate. Reports of gunfire continue as the city’s residents struggle with power outages at night.
On Sunday, Congolese rebels declared they had successfully seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following a rapid military advance. The announcement by Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance comprising the M23 group, prompted mass evacuations and heightened fears of a wider regional conflict. The rebels have demanded an unconditional surrender from government forces by 3:00 a.m. local time, emphasizing control over the city.
Despite these assertions, independent verification of the full extent of rebel control over Goma has not yet occurred. Government representatives have remained unresponsive to inquiries regarding the situation. Reports from sources indicate that the M23 rebels maneuvered significantly, overtaking surrounding areas and preparing to establish dominance over Goma itself.
Nangaa claimed the city is now secured by their forces, and the rebels had communicated an ultimatum for the Congolese military to disarm. Willy Ngoma, a spokesperson for M23, detailed that the Congolese military had been allowed to evacuate Goma by boat, and the rebels had suspended boat traffic on Lake Kivu.
Residents reported sporadic gunfire in various parts of the city, raising concerns about ongoing military conflict. During the night, Goma experienced widespread power outages, adding to the uncertainty and unrest among its inhabitants. The situation remains fluid as developments unfold in this volatile region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict, particularly in its eastern provinces, which are abundant in minerals. Rebel factions, notably the M23 group reportedly backed by Rwanda, have frequently clashed with government forces. The ongoing instability raises the specter of regional conflict, further complicating humanitarian and geopolitical concerns. With Goma being a key urban center in North Kivu, its capture could signify a pivotal escalation in the conflict.
In conclusion, the announcement of Goma’s capture by Congolese rebels indicates a significant escalation in regional tensions, with the potential for broader conflict. The M23 group’s military actions underscore the fragility of the situation in eastern Congo, prompting urgent calls for diplomatic intervention and support for affected populations. The international community must closely monitor developments as the situation unfolds.
Original Source: www.hawaiitribune-herald.com
