On January 27, M23 rebels claimed control of Goma, escalating conflict in Congo. The DRC government denounced this as a “declaration of war.’ UN peacekeepers reported mass panic among civilians, with calls for international ceasefire. Tensions with Rwanda surged following accusations of its involvement, complicating peace initiatives amid worsening humanitarian crises.
On January 27, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels declared the capture of Goma, the largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), causing significant panic among its two million residents. The DRC government responded by labeling the rebel advance a “declaration of war.” The M23 issued a warning for Congolese forces to surrender their weapons ahead of a deadline, while urging locals to remain calm.
The offensive threatens further deterioration of an already dire humanitarian situation in North Kivu province, where over a third of the population is displaced. As UN peacekeepers began processing surrenders from Congolese military personnel on the city’s outskirts, the DRC’s spokesperson called for civilian protection amid escalating tensions.
Calls for a ceasefire have come from both the United States and France, with expressed solidarity for the DRC’s territorial integrity. Involvement of UN peacekeepers intensified as they prepared to evacuate their staff from Goma in response to the deteriorating security situation. This quickly evolving crisis may potentially exacerbate existing humanitarian challenges in the region.
Recent statements from UN officials indicated that despite peacekeeping support, M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwandan forces, made significant advancements threatening Goma. Reports highlighted the rebels using local civilians as human shields amid the chaos, further aggravating the sense of immediate danger among residents.
Congo’s Foreign Minister accused Rwanda of direct aggression, escalating diplomatic tensions as the DRC severed ties with Rwanda. Rwanda denies aiding the M23 but acknowledges a military presence in eastern Congo under the pretext of safeguarding its security. This ongoing conflict, amongst various armed groups, continues to create a severe humanitarian crisis in the resource-rich area.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced prolonged conflict characterized by multiple armed groups vying for control over resource-rich regions, particularly in the eastern provinces. The M23, which formed from a faction of the Congolese army, is notorious for its history of conflict in the area. Tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have been a recurring theme, with accusations of Rwandan support for various rebel groups exacerbating the violence and complicating peace efforts. The UN and various nations have attempted to mediate but with limited success, which has resulted in continuous humanitarian crises and displacement of populations in vulnerable regions.
The situation in Goma represents a critical juncture for the DRC, with the M23’s recent advancements posing grave risks to stability and humanitarian conditions. Accusations of external support for the rebels add another layer of complexity to the conflict, while international calls for ceasefire aim to restore order. The unrest and civilian displacement underscore the urgent need for effective diplomatic interventions and sustainable peace efforts to mitigate the longstanding crises in eastern Congo.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
