M23 Rebels Assert Control Over Goma: Implications of Conflict in Eastern DRC
M23 rebels have reportedly seized Goma in the eastern DRC, prompting the government to call it a declaration of war by Rwanda. This situation has led to widespread panic and dislocation among residents, with ongoing military tensions and international diplomatic interventions aimed at restoring peace amid fears of broader conflict.
Reports indicate that the M23 rebel group has claimed control of Goma, a significant city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), amidst heavy gunfire. Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to the offensive, the rebels announced their victory, prompting the DRC government to label it a “declaration of war” by Rwanda. The capture has resulted in widespread panic among Goma’s population of two million.
As the M23 rebels declared their hold on Goma shortly before a deadline for Congolese troops to surrender expired, they called for local residents to stay calm. Witnesses confirmed the rebels’ presence in the city center, providing evidence through social media of armed fighters moving through the streets. The conflict in eastern DRC has resulted in significant displacement of civilians from this mineral-rich region.
The ongoing clash between M23 and the Congolese army, exacerbated by the involvement of UN peacekeepers, marks a severe escalation in the long-standing conflict. Patrick Muyaya, spokesperson for the DRC government, stated in a video that the country is currently experiencing a “war situation” as the government severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, demanding accountability through UN sanctions.
In response to the crisis, Kenyan President William Ruto mediated discussions between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Ruto underscored the urgency for both leaders to advocate for peace amidst growing international concern. The situation remains dire, with warnings of further Rwandan troop movements reported by DRC officials in a recent UNSC meeting.
DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner emphasized that Rwanda’s actions represent a blatant violation of DRC sovereignty, describing the situation as a “frontal assault”. Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, accuses the DRC of instigating violence, suggesting that the conflict continues to undermine Rwanda’s security.
The UN has expressed concern over the number of foreign peacekeepers who have lost their lives in this escalating conflict, calling for the removal of aggressive external forces without directly naming them. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has reiterated his call for Rwandan troops to withdraw from DRC amidst global calls for peace in the region.
The eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has long been plagued by armed conflict and instability stemming from complex regional rivalries and ethnic tensions. The M23 rebel group, which claims to have Rwandan backing, has been actively engaged in combat with the Congolese military and UN peacekeepers. The recent seizure of Goma represents a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for control over resource-rich territories in this volatile region. International reactions have intensified following the M23 advance, with the UN and nations such as Kenya seeking to mediate the escalating crisis. Rwanda’s involvement in DRC’s conflicts has historically drawn significant criticism, as allegations of direct military support to rebel groups undermine peace efforts and destabilize the region further.
The situation in Goma showcases a significant escalation in the DRC’s internal conflict, with M23 rebels claiming a critical victory amid international efforts to quell the violence. The DRC government perceives this as an act of war backed by Rwanda, invoking a humanitarian crisis affecting millions in eastern DRC. With continued local unrest and mounting international pressure, the urgent need for diplomatic solutions is evident, highlighting the complexities of the region’s geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
