Goma on the Brink: M23 Forces Capture Airport Amid Escalating Violence
The M23 armed group, backed by Rwandan troops, has taken control of Goma’s airport after intense fighting, leading to numerous casualties. The violence has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, overwhelming local hospitals and causing widespread displacement. Protests have erupted in Kinshasa, targeting foreign embassies amid escalating tensions. Calls for action have been made at the UN Security Council, while regional leaders plan discussions to address the deteriorating security situation.
On Tuesday, the airport of Goma, a key city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was seized by the Tutsi-led M23 armed group with the backing of Rwandan forces. This escalation followed three days of intense clashes that resulted in over 100 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries, severely straining local hospitals. The Congolese army has faced significant setbacks, surrendering extensive territories in North Kivu to the M23 and Rwandan troops in recent weeks.
Fighting erupted on Sunday, leading M23 fighters to enter central Goma and engage in street combat, including mortar exchanges. Reports indicate that the M23 claimed control of the city, yet the extent of territorial occupation by Congolese forces remains unclear. A security source confirmed the M23’s takeover of the airport, where approximately 1,200 Congolese soldiers have reportedly surrendered.
The ongoing violence has exacerbated an existing humanitarian crisis, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians and causing severe food shortages. Many hospitals are overwhelmed, as local infrastructure struggles to handle the influx of casualties. Destin Jamaica Kela, a registered refugee, recounted the chaos, stating, “Bombs were falling and killing other people everywhere.”
Protests erupted in Kinshasa, targeting the embassies of several countries, including Rwanda and France, amid rising tensions. The U.S. Embassy advised citizens to leave following these attacks, and EU officials condemned the violence against diplomatic missions. The International Committee of the Red Cross is actively responding to the influx of injured individuals in Goma’s overwhelmed healthcare facilities.
The UN Security Council discussed the potential revival of ethnic conflicts resulting from the violence, with calls for action to protect civilians. The DRC government expressed concerns regarding Rwanda’s role in the ongoing situation, prompting demands for more robust international intervention. Rwanda’s government maintains that its involvement is aimed at addressing security issues linked to the FDLR, a group aligned with interests from the 1994 genocide.
As regional leaders plan a summit on the crisis, officials reflect on the historical context, recalling the M23’s previous occupation of Goma during 2012. The fragile security situation remains critical, as diplomatic efforts struggle to establish a lasting dialogue. With recent violence claiming the lives of multiple peacekeepers, the ongoing unrest poses serious risks for Congolese civilians and the stabilization efforts in the region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been plagued by conflict since the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, resulting in the emergence of various armed groups fighting for territorial control. The M23 group re-formed in late 2021, seizing territory and creating a humanitarian crisis characterized by mass displacements and food shortages. Regional tensions involving Rwanda further complicate the security landscape, as accusations of external support ignite fears of ethnic conflict. The historical context of violence, including repeated incidences of the M23’s control over Goma, highlights the fragile state of peace in the area.
The situation in Goma underscores the severe humanitarian and security challenges facing the DRC as the M23, supported by Rwandan troops, gains ground. With hospitals overwhelmed and civil unrest spreading, the international community is urged to address the ongoing crisis. The recent protests signal the growing discontent among the Congolese populace, while diplomatic efforts remain hampered by historical grievances and regional rivalries. Effective intervention will be crucial to avert further escalation and to restore stability in the region.
Original Source: www.wfxg.com
