Congo’s forces are battling M23 rebels backed by Rwanda in Goma. The rebels have claimed significant territorial gains, prompting a humanitarian crisis with civilian casualties. Protests have erupted in the capital against Rwanda’s involvement, with increasing demands for stronger actions from the Congolese government against the rebels and support from the international community.
Congo’s security forces are engaged in intense combat with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have made significant advances into Goma, a crucial eastern city. Reports of overnight gunfire and explosions suggest that the situation is dire, with the rebels claiming control over parts of Goma. This escalation marks a troubling intensification of a conflict that has persisted for decades, deeply affecting the region’s stability and humanitarian conditions.
Goma, with a population of approximately 2 million, has been a pivotal trade and humanitarian center, hosting a large population of internally displaced individuals. The M23 rebel group is one of many vying for power in this mineral-rich area of eastern Congo. Having previously captured Goma in 2012, the M23 group resurfaced in late 2021, allegedly with support from Rwanda, which the Rwandan government denies.
The humanitarian situation in Goma is alarming, with over 6 million displaced individuals in the region due to ongoing ethnic conflicts. Bruno Lemarquis of the United Nations highlighted the gravity of the crisis, noting the violence has driven hundreds of thousands to flee. Reports indicate that civilians are gravely affected, with some hospitals struck by shells, causing numerous casualties among vulnerable populations, including newborns and pregnant women.
Access to humanitarian aid remains a critical challenge, as essential supply routes are blocked. David Munkley from the Christian aid group World Vision indicated that roads to evacuate civilians are impassable, with the airport rendered unusable for humanitarian operations. The community faces a severe lack of power and water, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
International reactions have been pronounced, with countries like the United States and United Kingdom condemning Rwanda’s involvement in backing the rebels. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern during a discussion with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, stressing the need to restart peace negotiations between Congo and Rwanda.
Protests have erupted in Kinshasa as citizens express their outrage towards Rwanda’s actions. Opposition leader Martin Fayulu has criticized President Tshisekedi for perceived inaction in addressing the crisis and has called for public demonstrations against Rwanda, urging greater international support for Congo.
The conflict in eastern Congo, particularly involving the M23 rebels, has its roots in long-standing ethnic tensions and struggles over resource control. Goma serves as a central hub for humanitarian aid in a region plagued by violence and displacement. The United Nations estimates that over 6 million people are currently displaced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with North Kivu being one of the worst affected areas. The involvement of Rwanda complicates the situation, as allegations of support for the M23 by Rwanda persist, despite the government’s denial.
The situation in Goma highlights the complexities of the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. As fighting intensifies and humanitarian conditions deteriorate, the need for urgent action is paramount. With international condemnation of Rwanda’s involvement and rising civic protests, there is growing pressure on Congolese leadership to respond to the crisis effectively and seek diplomatic resolutions to stabilize the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
