M23 Rebel Group Advances Toward Goma, Displacing Over 178,000 in Eastern Congo
The M23 rebel group’s recent advances in eastern Congo have displaced over 178,000 individuals as they approach Goma, the largest city in the region. Previously, M23 took control of Goma for over a week in 2012. The ongoing conflict, fueled by competition for resources, has created a major humanitarian crisis, with over 7 million people displaced.
In eastern Congo, the M23 rebel group has made significant advances, leading to the displacement of over 178,000 people within the past two weeks, according to the United Nations. As the rebels approach Goma, the region’s largest city, fears grow regarding their intentions to capture the city. Previously, M23 seized Goma in 2012 and maintained control for more than a week. On Tuesday, authorities reported that M23 had taken the town of Minova, disrupting a critical supply route for Goma.
The M23 rebels are engaging in a protracted conflict in eastern Congo, an area plagued by over 100 armed groups competing for dominance over its mineral wealth. This ongoing violence has resulted in more than 7 million people being displaced, creating what is regarded as one of the largest humanitarian crises worldwide. Accusations from Congo, the United States, and UN experts allege that Rwanda is supporting M23; however, the Rwandan government has denied these claims.
The UN humanitarian agency attributed the latest round of mass displacements to the clashes near Minova in South Kivu province. Many individuals arriving in Goma do so by boat, escaping the burgeoning conflict. Reports indicate that some people arriving in Goma are fleeing with only minimal belongings, often tied around their heads.
Displaced individuals have congregated in the Nzulo camp on Goma’s outskirts, which is already strained due to a population of around 2 million residents. Yet, as the rebels draw closer, individuals are choosing to leave the camp for safety. David Kasereka stated, “We don’t know where we are going, because everywhere, the bombs are following us.” This sentiment is echoed by others, such as Nadège Bauma, who is seeking refuge once again after evacuating from Sake due to intense fighting.
Provincial governor Jean-Jacques Purusi confirmed M23’s seizure of Minova and stated that the rebels have successfully overtaken several mining towns in North and South Kivu provinces. The Congolese military reported advances by the rebels in Minova and Bweremana, heightening concerns about the worsening situation for civilians caught in the crossfire.
The conflict in eastern Congo has been ongoing for decades, primarily due to the region’s vast mineral resources that attract involvement from various armed groups. The M23 rebel group, composed mainly of ethnic Tutsis, emerged from earlier conflicts and has been implicated in further destabilization of the region. Accusations of external support for M23 complicate the humanitarian situation, with millions of individuals displaced due to the violence.
In summary, the M23 rebel group’s advances have led to massive displacement and significant humanitarian concerns in eastern Congo. The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of Goma falling under rebel control. The international community is urged to monitor developments closely amidst the complexities of regional support and long-standing conflict.
Original Source: apnews.com
