M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have captured Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, escalating violence in a humanitarian crisis. Reports indicate rebel clashes with government forces and chaos among residents, including looting. The region has a history of conflict following the Rwandan genocide. U.N. staff are evacuating, while international reactions are ongoing, with concerns about the situation’s implications for regional stability.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have reportedly seized control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, amid escalating violence in a region already grappling with severe humanitarian crises. Reports from witnesses noted gunfire in various areas, including near the airport, with ongoing clashes between M23 forces and government-aligned militias. Local residents described scenes of chaos and looting, highlighting the growing instability and fear among the population.
The eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have long been plagued by conflict, attributed to historical tensions following the 1994 Rwandan genocide. M23, an ethnic Tutsi-led group, has previously captured Goma in 2012 but withdrew following diplomatic intervention. Currently, over 100 armed groups operate in the DRC, particularly in the mineral-rich eastern regions, attracting international corporate interests.
Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, asserted that M23 controlled Goma, claiming government troops were surrendering. In contrast, officials from the Air Transport Authority insisted that the army maintained control of the airport amid reports of rebel advances. Uruguayan military personnel confirmed that some Congolese soldiers had surrendered, complicating the overall situation.
As tensions escalated, U.N. personnel began evacuating to Rwanda, citing increased danger in Goma. Videos circulated online depicting scenes of local residents engaged in looting, while heavy militia presence was reported in the northern suburbs. Additionally, Rwandan soldiers indicated that Congolese soldiers were crossing into Rwanda seeking asylum amidst the ongoing violence.
Goma’s fall could lead to significant consequences, as the U.N. had previously overhauled local military forces and deployed an offensive-minded peacekeeping force after the city’s last seizure in 2012. The M23 stance claims to protect Tutsi populations from threats posed by government forces and Hutu militias, amidst allegations that Rwanda has bolstered the group with military support.
The advancements by M23 have displaced hundreds of thousands since the beginning of the year, exacerbating an already critical refugee situation, with the U.N. reporting over 3 million displaced in eastern Congo alone. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council held discussions denouncing Rwanda’s alleged support for the rebellion, an accusation Rwanda firmly rejected, attributing the conflict to the DRC’s failure in managing negotiations and security in the region.
The current conflict in eastern Congo has roots in a complex history of ethnic tensions, particularly following the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced continuous instability, marked by numerous armed groups and foreign interventions over the decades. As a significant region in Africa, the eastern DRC is rich in minerals, making it strategically important while it suffers from extensive humanitarian crises due to the ongoing violence and displacement of its population. The M23 militia group, originating from Rwanda’s predominantly Tutsi population, has been involved in several conflicts in the DRC over the years. Its emergence relates to efforts to defend the Tutsi community against government and militia threats, which complicates ongoing peace negotiations and regional security dynamics.
In summary, the ongoing conflict in Goma signifies an alarming resurgence of violence in a region historically fraught with instability. The M23 militia’s actions reflect the complicated nature of ethnic and political strife in eastern Congo, further exacerbating humanitarian crises and displacements. International reactions are critical, as the situation continues to evolve under the threat of wider regional implications and deteriorating humanitarian conditions.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
