Escalating Conflict in Goma: DRC Forces Engage M23 Militants and Rwandan Troops
Goma is under siege as fighting intensifies between Congolese forces, M23 militia, and Rwandan troops. Local civilians face severe threats, witnessing increased violence and displacement amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis. International reactions include calls for immediate support, while the DRC accuses Rwanda of aggression. The situation continues to deteriorate, with potential implications for regional stability.
Fighting persists in the Congolese city of Goma, as government forces combat militia groups and Rwandan troops. Heavy artillery fire and gunshots filled the air on Monday following the entrance of the M23 armed group and Rwandan soldiers into the city center the previous night. “We are in our beds because we are afraid,” stated local resident Lucie, reflecting the fears of many in the besieged area where the humanitarian crisis deepens.
The resurgence of the M23, which started seizing territories in the mineral-rich North Kivu province, has intensified clashes with the Congolese army since early this year. The conflict has displaced over 400,000 people since January. Amidst this turmoil, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed France’s solidarity with the DRC. The local government is striving to mitigate violence and maintain control as an international crisis summit approaches.
The situation escalated late Sunday as M23 fighters and thousands of Rwandan soldiers advanced on Goma, leading to intense firefights that continued throughout Monday. According to United Nations and security sources, Congolese forces began to surrender their weapons. Explosions and gunfire were continuously reported, heightening fears of regional instability.
Reports of civilian casualties emerged, with five citizens killed on the Rwandan side of the border as Rwandan and Congolese troops exchanged fire. The border was closed, and Rwandan state media indicated evacuation preparations for UN personnel. Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner condemned Rwanda’s involvement as a declaration of war, seeking UN sanctions against Rwanda.
Rwanda’s government refuted claims of aggression but acknowledged their troops’ need for defensive posturing due to rising tensions. The previous week’s clashes resulted in the deaths of thirteen foreign peacekeepers, further complicating relations between the DRC and Rwanda. In light of these developments, experts warn that the ongoing conflict poses a serious threat to regional stability, calling for immediate international intervention and support to restore peace-oriented dialogue.
The article discusses the current conflict in Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where fighting has erupted between local forces, the M23 militia, and Rwandan troops. The crisis has historical roots, stemming from disputes over natural resources and the complex relationship between Rwanda and the DRC following the Rwandan Genocide in 1994. The resurgence of the M23 armed group, accused of collaborating with Rwandan forces, has exacerbated humanitarian challenges in the region, prompting international concern and calls for a peaceful resolution.
The continued fighting in Goma highlights a deteriorating security situation in the DRC, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. The involvement of Rwandan troops alongside the M23 has sparked cries of war from Congolese officials and calls for sanctions against Rwanda. As humanitarian crises mount, the international community faces an urgent demand to intervene and facilitate a ceasefire to protect civilians and restore stability in the area.
Original Source: www.cbs19news.com
