M23 rebels claim to have captured Goma, causing panic in the city. DRC government labels this an act of war from Rwanda. Thousands have fled their homes, raising fears of a broader conflict. The DRC has severed ties with Rwanda and called for UN action, while international calls for peace escalate.
M23 rebels have declared the capture of Goma, a major eastern city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), amidst intense gunfire. Reports indicate that the armed group, supported by Rwanda, entered Goma’s center following an ultimatum for DRC troops to surrender. This development has sparked widespread panic among Goma’s two million residents and prompted the DRC government to label it a “declaration of war” from Rwanda, intensifying existing hostilities.
The armed confrontation has resulted in thousands fleeing from their homes in the resource-rich eastern DRC, reigniting fears of a broader regional conflict. Currently, M23 fighters are engaged with the Congolese military and UN peacekeepers on the outskirts of Goma. This fighting is part of ongoing struggles in a region plagued by ethnic tensions and armed militia disputes for over thirty years.
In a statement, DRC government spokesman, Patrick Muyaya, declared the necessity for civilian protection, acknowledging the country’s status as being in a “war situation”. In response to the escalating conflict, the DRC severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda and sought UN sanctions against its neighbor. Kenyan President William Ruto is set to facilitate a peace summit between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
During a recent emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the DRC’s diplomatic representatives criticized the incursion of Rwandan troops as a flagrant violation of sovereignty. DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner stated, “This is a frontal assault, a declaration of war that no longer hides behind diplomatic artifice.” Meanwhile, the Rwandan government attributed the resurgence of hostilities to actions by Kinshasa and emphasized the need for a defensive posture to protect its borders.
The UNSC recently urged for the exit of external aggressive forces from the region but refrained from specifically naming any countries involved. This statement followed calls from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for Rwandan forces to withdraw from DRC, which Kigali has rejected fiercely. The persistent clashes have resulted in casualties, with reports indicating that foreign peacekeepers have also been killed in the conflict.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has deep historical roots, characterized by ethnic rivalries and the involvement of various militia groups. The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has been part of this long-standing turmoil, which has caused extensive humanitarian crises and instability in the region. The recent escalation in Goma marks a significant development in the ongoing clashes, raising international concern and the potential for a wider regional conflict.
In summary, the declaration of Goma’s capture by M23 rebels has intensified the conflict in the eastern DRC, prompting the government to sever ties with Rwanda. The situation has raised alarms concerning civilian safety and regional stability, as thousands flee amid escalated violence. There is an urgent need for international dialogue and intervention to halt the violence and protect vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
