Goma is engulfed in fierce fighting as Congolese forces battle M23 militants and Rwandan troops, raising alarms about regional conflict and humanitarian crises. The international community is concerned as heavy artillery fire and civilian casualties mount. The crisis has displaced over 400,000 people this year alone, prompting diplomatic engagements and safety measures amid rising tensions.
Fierce clashes erupted in the Congolese city of Goma as government forces confronted militia fighters and Rwandan troops. According to various reports, the extent of Congolese control in Goma remains unclear after the M23 group and Rwandan soldiers breached the city center. Residents like Lucie expressed their fear, stating, “We are in our beds because we are afraid; we can hear the shooting outside our homes.” The resurgence of the M23 group has intensified conflict in North Kivu province and complicated the longstanding violence in eastern DRC.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot voiced his country’s support for the Democratic Republic of Congo amidst escalating tensions in Goma. The ongoing clashes have exacerbated a humanitarian crisis, resulting in the displacement of over 400,000 individuals this year alone. The UN has also raised concerns about the potential for a regional conflict as the DRC government pledges to minimize loss of life. In a statement, the M23 group celebrated its incursion, labeling it “a glorious day marking the liberation of Goma.”
Evidently, M23 forces, accompanied by more than 3,500 Rwandan soldiers, made significant advances into Goma after weeks of buildup. Reports from the ground detail ongoing heavy artillery exchanges and gunfire, leaving the city in chaos. In light of the crisis, President William Ruto of Kenya announced a summit involving Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The African Union is also set to convene regarding the escalating unrest.
The historical tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have worsened since the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of seeking control over the region’s mineral resources—a claim Rwanda denies. The violence extended to a mass jailbreak in Goma, resulting in casualties, while the M23 seems to have garnered some public support amidst the turmoil. Additional reports of armed exchanges near the border with Rwanda indicate worsening conditions, with the Rwandan army reporting civilian casualties.
The Congolese Foreign Minister condemned the arrival of Rwandan troops as “a declaration of war,” urging the UN to sanction Rwanda. The UN Security Council called for the withdrawal of aggressive forces, yet did not specify actors involved. Rwanda maintains its position on the necessity of defending its borders amidst the conflict, where thirteen foreign peacekeepers have lost their lives, highlighting the dangerous trajectory of the situation.
Further complicating matters, diplomatic relations have deteriorated, with both nations recalling ambassadors. A UN experts’ report suggests Rwanda’s involvement with M23 aims to secure access to DRC’s mineral resources, particularly gold. In response, the DRC echoed calls for a minerals embargo against Rwanda, drawing attention to the longstanding grievances that plague their relationship. The M23 previously occupied Goma in 2012 but was repelled by DRC and UN forces in 2013. Previous ceasefires have repeatedly broken down, leaving the region in despair.
The conflict in eastern DRC, particularly in Goma, has persisted for over three decades due to various armed groups vying for control, complicating stability and humanitarian conditions. The M23 group resurfaced in late 2021, intensifying conflicts in mineral-rich regions like North Kivu. Tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have historical roots, intensified by accusations surrounding resource exploitation. Recent events indicate a potential escalation into broader regional conflict, requiring international attention and intervention.
The situation in Goma exemplifies a complex humanitarian and geopolitical crisis driven by longstanding tensions between armed groups and state forces, exacerbated by regional dynamics with Rwanda. With increasing displacement and casualties, the conflict poses significant risks of escalation within eastern DRC and beyond. Immediate diplomatic efforts are necessary to address the humanitarian needs and quell further violence, while finding sustainable solutions to the underlying issues may take considerable time and cooperation.
Original Source: www.cbs19news.com
