Goma on Edge as Rwanda-Backed M23 Takes Control Amid Escalating Violence
Rwandan-backed M23 fighters have taken control of Goma’s airport, intensifying conflicts in the eastern DRC. Civilians face dire humanitarian challenges with numerous casualties reported, while protests in Kinshasa criticize international reactions. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of exploiting valuable resources as the UN calls for urgent discussions to resolve ongoing violence.
On Tuesday, an armed group backed by Rwandan troops seized control of the airport in Goma, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), signaling a significant setback for Congolese forces. Fighters from the Tutsi-led M23 group have advanced rapidly through the region, ultimately entering Goma after weeks of conflict. This escalation has caused intense fighting, casualties, and widespread unrest among civilians, with many calling for international intervention.
Goma, a city with a population of around one million, has become overwhelmed by violence, leading to serious humanitarian challenges. Hospitals are inundated with the injured, and protests against perceived international inaction have erupted in Kinshasa, the capital, resulting in attacks on foreign embassies. The exact control of Goma’s regions remains unclear amid rapidly changing circumstances; however, over 1,200 Congolese soldiers have reportedly surrendered and are now confined at the UN base.
The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations warning that hundreds of thousands have been displaced and are facing dire food shortages. Combined with violent clashes, the potential for disease outbreaks, particularly from pathogens housed in local laboratories, poses an imminent threat. Many residents describe life in Goma as increasingly unbearable due to food and water shortages and constant bombardment.
The international community is responding to the violence, with the UN Security Council scheduled to meet and the African Union urging the M23 to cease hostilities. Goma has seen an alarming rise in fatalities, with reports of at least 17 individuals dead and hundreds wounded. Meanwhile, protests in Kinshasa target several nations, expressing frustration over their perceived lack of support for DRC.
Amidst the chaos, the DRC has accused Rwanda of seeking to capitalize on the area’s rich mineral resources. Rwanda, in turn, claims involvement is solely to combat the FDLR, a militant group formed post-genocide. As tensions escalate, regional leaders plan to convene for a crisis summit, signaling the urgent need for dialogue and resolution concerning this deteriorating situation.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC is complex, involving various armed groups and regional dynamics, particularly the historical tensions following the Rwandan genocide of 1994. The M23 group re-emerged in 2021 after being defeated in 2013, indicating persistent instability in North Kivu province. Goma’s strategic location and its resources have made it a focal point for fighting, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis as the population copes with violence, displacement, and food scarcity.
The situation in Goma remains precarious, with armed confrontations raising alarms about civilian safety and escalating humanitarian needs. The recent takeover of the airport by the M23 group underscores the rapid deterioration of security. International and regional responses will be crucial in addressing the immediate crisis and working toward a lasting resolution to the conflicts affecting the DRC’s eastern regions.
Original Source: www.wfxg.com
