M23 rebels have claimed to have captured Goma as fighting escalates in eastern DRC. The UN Security Council condemned their offensives, and fighting has resulted in the deaths of international peacekeepers. Thousands of civilians are fleeing the area, and diplomatic efforts are underway involving Kenya, DRC, and Rwanda to address the crisis.
M23 rebels have claimed control of Goma, a critical city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Amid escalating violence, the UN Security Council condemned the group’s actions, urging a halt to their offensive and the immediate withdrawal of external forces supporting them. Reports indicate that fighting has taken the lives of international peacekeepers and displaced thousands of civilians as they attempt to flee the conflict zones.
In recent developments, M23 publicly declared their intention to seize Goma, having previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Congolese forces to disarm and surrender. The international community has expressed deep concerns over this act of aggression, with Kenya announcing a summit involving DRC and Rwanda to address the crisis in eastern DRC. Gunfire and explosions have been reported in Goma, suggesting intensified fighting near the city.
The DRC government accused Rwanda of instigating a ‘declaration of war’ after additional Rwandan troops were noted to have crossed the border into DRC territory. DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner urged the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Rwandan officials in response to the situation. The UN special representative for DRC reported that heavy fighting led to the evacuation of Goma’s airport and the grounding of commercial flights, complicating the efforts to provide humanitarian aid.
The statement from the South African National Defense Force contradicted reports of M23’s advance, as gunfire echoed throughout Goma. It was confirmed that multiple UN peacekeepers, including those from South Africa and Uruguay, were killed during the clashes, which raised alarm about the humanitarian crisis affecting the local population.
As M23 rebels continue their advance towards Goma, there is increasing panic among civilians, with thousands fleeing the area in search of safety. The UN has indicated that many sites sheltering displaced persons in the vicinity have been emptied due to the rapid escalation of conflict. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and an end to the support of M23 fighters by Rwanda.
In summary, the deteriorating situation in eastern DRC highlights the urgent need for regional dialogue and intervention. The escalating conflict poses severe challenges for peacekeeping efforts and intensifies the humanitarian crisis affecting vulnerable populations. Immediate diplomatic actions are necessary to restore stability in the region.
The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has been escalating due to the activities of M23 rebels, a group composed predominantly of ethnic Tutsis. They have historically clashed with the Congolese government and have received accusations of support from Rwanda. The conflict has resulted in significant military engagement, including involvement from international peacekeeping forces, and has exacerbated an already critical humanitarian crisis within the region, affecting countless civilians.
The claims by M23 rebels regarding the capture of Goma have raised alarm among international communities and necessitated urgent discussions between regional leaders. An escalation in violence, coupled with support from external forces, poses threats to both regional stability and humanitarian conditions. Continuous diplomatic efforts and immediate responses from global entities are crucial in addressing these complexities in eastern DRC.
Original Source: www.dw.com
