M23 Rebels Claim Control of Goma Amid Escalating Conflict in DRC
The M23 rebel group has claimed to have taken over Goma, a crucial city in eastern DRC, amid disputes with the government over control. The situation has led to mass panic, with reports of DRC soldiers surrendering, and escalating violence resulting in significant humanitarian concerns. Tensions with Rwanda are on the rise, further complicating the conflict as the region faces a potential wider crisis.
The M23 rebel group has claimed control over Goma, an essential city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), heightening concerns about escalating conflict in the region. Despite the DRC government arguing that it still holds ground in the city, there are alarming signs of rapid rebel advances and increasing tensions with Rwanda, which is alleged to support M23. Video evidence suggests that DRC soldiers have begun to surrender, revealing the precariousness of the situation in Goma.
Recent reports indicate mass panic among Goma residents, as the United Nations describes a significant humanitarian crisis brewing. A spokesperson for M23 affirmed that order has been established post-liberation while urging civilians to remain calm. However, U.N. peacekeepers have stated that control over essential roads and the airport has shifted, diminishing evacuation options and humanitarian efforts.
Violence and confusion have further escalated, with heavy artillery reported near the city center and a prison escape involving thousands of inmates. Local residents describe chaos, with some stating uncertainty over the presence of rebel forces despite continued gunfire. The situation remains dire, as tens of thousands are reported to have fled the area, compounding the crisis faced by displaced persons.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has deep historical roots, influenced by the region’s rich mineral resources, which various armed groups, including M23, have fought over. M23, formed in 2012 to protect the Tutsi population, has a contentious relationship with the DRC government and is reportedly supported by Rwanda. This long-standing battle has resulted in widespread violence and displacement, with more than 400,000 people forced from their homes just this year alone. Recent developments suggest that Rwanda may be bolstering M23 forces, with claims of Rwandan soldiers operating within DRC territory. The U.N. has called on Rwanda to cease its support for the rebels, linking recent escalations in violence to this involvement. The DRC continues to experience tragedy, fighting against not only M23 but also the complexities of regional tensions that threaten wider conflict.
The capture of Goma by the M23 rebels marks a significant escalation in the conflict within the DRC, signaling dire humanitarian implications for the region. With thousands displaced and more potentially affected, the international community is urged to address these rising tensions that may lead to broader regional disputes. The ongoing violence threatens to disrupt stability in the region as various parties vie for control amid allegations of foreign interference.
Original Source: www.twz.com
