Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claimed control of Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city. The Congolese government labeled this action a “declaration of war,” amidst alarming UN reports of mass panic among civilians. With severe humanitarian consequences and a threatened humanitarian crisis worsening, international leaders have urged for ceasefires and withdrawal of support for the rebels as the situation continues to escalate.
On Monday, the Rwandan-supported M23 rebels announced their seizure of the city of Goma, the largest in eastern Congo. This incursion escalates an ongoing conflict, drawing alarm from the United Nations, which has reported widespread panic among Goma’s 2 million inhabitants. The Congolese government decried this advance as a “declaration of war,” emphasizing the dire humanitarian consequences of the rebels’ territorial ambitions in North Kivu province.
Just before the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum for the Congolese army to surrender, gunfire erupted across Goma, prompting concerns of escalating violence. The M23 has urged local residents to remain calm while calling upon Congolese military personnel to gather at the central stadium. The recent offensive threatens to significantly worsen a humanitarian crisis that has already displaced over one-third of North Kivu’s population.
Late on Sunday, U.N. peacekeepers were observed attending to Congolese military members who began surrendering on the city’s periphery. Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya reported the necessity for civilian protection, declaring the nation to be in a volatile war context. Further complicating the situation, Goma’s airport has closed and roads remain inaccessible, leaving many trapped amid the chaos.
The M23’s territorial gains have sparked condemnations from the U.N. Security Council, which demanded a withdrawal from the areas seized. The rebel group has long been a point of contention, as its composition largely consists of ethnic Tutsis who previously split from the Congolese army. Increasingly, local civilians are caught amid armed conflict, with reports of M23 fighters utilizing residents as shields while they advance towards populated regions.
Following Congo’s announcement of severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, both countries have accused each other of escalating tensions. U.N. officials estimate up to 4,000 Rwandan troops may be stationed in Congo under the pretext of national security in response to perceived threats. As violence continues, international leaders, including representatives from the United States and France, have called for urgent ceasefire negotiations and a cessation of external support for the M23.
The conflict involving the M23 rebels and the Congolese government is one of the longest-running crises in Africa, with deep-seated historical tensions, particularly surrounding ethnic affiliations. The M23, composed mainly of Tutsis, has attempted to establish control over mineral-rich areas, contributing to an extensive humanitarian crisis in the region. Despite previous peace efforts, violence has re-emerged, culminating in the current situation in Goma, where local populations face severe threats to their safety and well-being. The region’s complexity is compounded by Rwanda’s alleged support for the rebels, which has led to international scrutiny and diplomatic fallout. Previous instances of M23 taking Goma, notably in 2012 before international pressure led to a withdrawal, highlight the difficulty of establishing a lasting peace amid ongoing conflicts over territorial control and political representation.
The recent capture of Goma by M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, has severely heightened tensions in eastern Congo, aptly described by the Congolese government as a “declaration of war.” With humanitarian implications solidified by widespread panic and displacement of civilians, the situation remains critical. The international community’s calls for ceasefire and withdrawal reflect the urgent need for de-escalation and support for the affected populations. The evolving dynamics in the region signal ongoing instability that necessitates robust diplomatic intervention to address the underlying tensions.
Original Source: ny1.com
