M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have claimed control over Goma amidst intensified fighting with Congolese forces. Thousands are fleeing the city, facing power outages and insecurity. Despite international awareness, the humanitarian crisis is growing as reports suggest significant Rwandan military involvement without formal acknowledgment. The Congolese army remains determined to defend Goma, but the situation is rapidly deteriorating.
In Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, government forces appeared to have collapsed as M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, claimed control over the key city of Goma. Sounds of artillery echoed throughout Sunday, with local residents fleeing to the city center to escape the intensifying fighting. As stores shut down and streets emptied, densely populated displacement camps faced bombardments while power outages left residents in darkness, complicating communication efforts.
Vicky Ushindi, a 23-year-old spice seller, expressed fear concerning the ongoing situation, noting, “In this darkness, the rebels could come without us knowing.” The prolonged conflict in Eastern Congo has origins tracing back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with the M23 group emerging to protect Tutsi minorities but facing allegations of conducting massacres and abuses.
The conflict escalated dramatically in January, with M23 capturing territory in South Kivu. As tensions mounted, the rebels issued an ultimatum to Congolese forces, which included support from UN peacekeepers and regional military deployments. The Congolese military is often criticized for being weak and corrupt, struggling to retain control.
The casualty counts remain unclear amidst the fighting, but six UN peacekeepers and nine South African soldiers have been confirmed dead. The United Nations began evacuating its civilian staff from Goma, as aid groups left behind hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals in dire need of assistance.
Reports indicate that up to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are actively supporting M23, equipped with advanced military gear. While Rwanda has denied its involvement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a withdrawal of Rwandan forces amid escalating chaos in Goma. There are claims of coordinated attacks by Rwandan troops and M23 fighters, sowing panic in the city.
Despite the ongoing artillery fire, the Congolese army has declared intentions to defend Goma resolutely. Authorities in Kinshasa maintain that the war with M23 has not officially commenced even as the situation deteriorates. Strained diplomatic relations led to Congo recalling its ambassador from Rwanda without declaring formal war.
The current situation in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo is indicative of prolonged conflict stemming from historical tensions following the Rwandan genocide of 1994, which has led to a cycle of violence and instability in Eastern Congo. The M23 rebel group, which emerged as a defender of Tutsi interests, has created considerable insecurity in a region rich in resources but beset by poverty. While Rwanda denies its direct involvement in supporting M23, independent reports confirm that Rwandan military presence has significantly contributed to the escalation of violence in the area, creating a complex and perilous humanitarian situation.
The capture of Goma by M23 rebels signifies a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo, exemplifying the entrenched instability fueled by both historical grievances and recent military engagements. As the UN and various regional forces hesitate to stabilize the situation, the humanitarian crisis intensifies. The international community continues to observe closely, with calls for Rwandan withdrawal amid fears of deeper regional implications stemming from this turbulent conflict.
Original Source: www.gpb.org
