Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have captured Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, provoking ongoing clashes with government forces amidst escalating violence. Witnesses report chaotic scenes and looting, as thousands flee towards Rwanda. The U.N. staff are evacuating, and there are concerns about Rwanda’s involvement in supporting M23 actions. This renewal of conflict follows decades of instability stemming from historical tensions in the region.
On Monday, Rwandan-backed rebels entered the heart of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, escalating an already dire humanitarian situation. The M23 militia, led by ethnic Tutsis, claimed to have captured the city entirely, though this has not been independently verified. Witnesses reported gunfire and clashes between government-aligned forces and M23 fighters near vital areas, including the airport and city center.
Residents reported chaos as soldiers were visible near the airport, but the presence of M23 fighters was yet to be confirmed. Accounts of looting also emerged as the presence of armed fighters intensified. The eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has long been fraught with violence stemming from historical tensions after the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The M23 militia, which previously captured Goma in 2012 before withdrawing, is now asserting control over the city amidst ongoing conflict with over a hundred armed groups in the region. Corneille Nangaa, from the Congo River Alliance, indicated that government troops were laying down arms, although other officials noted that the army still retained control of crucial infrastructure like the airport.
In a concerning development, Uruguay’s military reported a group of Congolese soldiers surrendered their weapons to them at a U.N. peacekeeping mission. Subsequently, U.N. personnel received evacuation orders, moving towards Rwanda due to escalating conflict, with anecdotal reports of local looting and mass displacements.
The current ascendancy of M23 follows a historical pattern of violence and instability that dates back decades. They claim their actions are to protect the Tutsi population from threats posed by the central Congolese government and Hutu militias. Critics allege Rwanda has significantly supported the M23, increasing tensions further within the region.
The U.N. Security Council has expressed concern regarding the involvement of Rwanda in the ongoing conflict. In response to global condemnation, the Rwandan government accused Congo of obstructing peace negotiations and causing continued instability along their borders. Meanwhile, eastward flight of residents from the Rwandan town of Gisenyi has been observed as sounds of explosions from Goma become constant.
Kenya’s President William Ruto is set to convene an emergency meeting of East African leaders to address this volatile situation, reflecting increased regional concern over the potential for further escalation of violence.
This article discusses the recent incursion of M23 militia rebels into Goma, eastern Congo, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis stemming from decades of conflict in the region. It emphasizes the historical tensions that have arisen from previous wars and the 1994 Rwandan genocide, along with the current destabilization which has led to displacements and international concern. As a pivotal point of conflict involving multiple actors, this situation underscores the complexity of relations among regional powers and armed factions.
The situation in Goma illustrates the ongoing struggle for stability in eastern Congo, marked by historical grievances and the complex interplay of internal and external forces. The advancements of M23 rebels, paired with regional instability and humanitarian crises, necessitate comprehensive international attention and intervention to prevent further escalation. The upcoming meeting of East African leaders underscored the urgency of diplomatic discussions in addressing this volatile context.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
