Fear and Instability as M23 Rebels Claim Control Over Goma, Congo
Goma residents are in fear after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claim control of the city. Gunfire was reported, and military personnel were observed marching. The situation escalates amid accusations against Rwanda and an ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting millions. The U.N. has condemned the M23’s actions, and many have fled Goma seeking safety.
Residents in Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, woke up to uncertainty as Rwanda-backed rebels claimed control of the area following escalating conflicts with Congolese security forces. Reports of gunfire filled the city overnight, and military-uniformed men were observed marching through Goma early Monday morning. Some locals greeted them, but it remains unclear if they are indeed with the M23 rebel group, as the Congolese government has yet to confirm the takeover.
The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, are one of numerous armed factions fighting for dominance in eastern Congo. Their association with Rwanda has been denied by the latter; however, the M23 has been at the forefront of the instability since briefly seizing Goma in 2012 and resurfacing in late 2021. Analysts warn that this could exacerbate the region’s humanitarian crisis, affecting over six million displaced individuals, with many from North Kivu province.
The United Nations Security Council issued a statement urging the M23 to reverse its advances and condemning the violations of Congolese sovereignty. In a tense situation, the M23 rebels declared early Monday that they had completed their takeover just as a surrender deadline for the Congolese military was set to expire. They implored civilians to remain calm amid ongoing tensions.
The Congolese government described the situation as one of war and accused Rwanda of aggression toward Congo, resulting in severed diplomatic ties. The rebel advances into Goma mark a significant escalation in a drawn-out conflict, which has seen numerous towns fall to the rebels during recent engagements with security forces.
Amid the unrest, hundreds of residents have sought refuge in Rwanda, escaping the violence. Safi Shangwe, a fleeing resident, reported witnessing soldiers engaging in bomb and gunfire at the border. Bintou Keita, the U.N. special representative for Congo, claimed, “we are trapped,” citing closed airports and blocked roads as major obstacles to safety.
The hostility has also imposed heavy casualties on U.N. peacekeepers, with at least thirteen reported deaths within the past week. The Uruguayan army, a part of the U.N. mission in Goma, acknowledged that over a hundred Congolese soldiers have surrendered their arms in the chaotic environment.
The political and military situation in eastern Congo, specifically in Goma, reflects deep-rooted issues stemming from decades of conflict involving various armed groups, including state and non-state actors. The M23 rebel group has re-emerged in this context, often cited as being supported by Rwanda, a nation accused of meddling in Congolese affairs. This turmoil contributes to one of the world’s critical humanitarian crises as millions remain displaced, exacerbated further by recent escalations. Diplomatic attempts to resolve tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda have historically been fraught with challenges. The region is rich in minerals, attracting various factions vying for control, leading to repeated cycles of violence. The United Nations has a substantial peacekeeping presence in Congo, tasked with stabilizing the region and protecting human rights amid ongoing conflict.
The situation in Goma has reached a critical point with the M23 claimed takeover amidst fears of escalating violence and displacement. The U.N. Security Council has intervened, demanding an end to the conflict, while the Congolese government perceives the rebels’ actions as a declaration of war by Rwanda. As tensions mount, displaced populations seek safety amid a precarious humanitarian crisis, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic solutions and regional stability.
Original Source: apnews.com
