M23 Rebels Capture Goma: A Volatile Escalation in DRC Conflict

M23 rebels captured the city of Goma in eastern DRC, sparking gunfire and panic among residents. The DRC government labeled this as a war declaration by Rwanda, further straining diplomatic ties. International calls for peace continue amidst ethnic tensions and humanitarian crises provoked by the ongoing conflict.

Gunfire erupted in Goma, the largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), after M23 rebels declared they had seized control. Despite the United Nations Security Council’s call to halt the offensive, the armed group made its announcement early on a Monday morning. The DRC government characterized the M23’s advance as a “declaration of war” by Rwanda, with the UN noting that it has induced widespread panic among Goma’s residents, totaling approximately two million people.

The M23 rebels issued this claim just as a 48-hour ultimatum for Congolese troops to surrender was expiring. They urged Goma’s residents to remain calm while also calling on DRC military members to assemble at the local stadium. Eyewitness accounts confirmed the presence of armed rebels entering Goma’s center, with video evidence showing heavily armed individuals traversing the streets.

This military advancement by the M23 rebels has already displaced thousands and heightened fears of a broader regional conflict rekindling. As armed clashes continue at the city’s outskirts, the DRC’s eastern region experiences recurrent ethnic tensions and militia violence, contributing to one of the globe’s most severe humanitarian crises.

In response to the conflict, DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya labeled the situation as a “war situation” while calling for civilian safety. Upset by M23’s actions, the DRC severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda and urged the UN for sanctions. Amid growing international concern, a summit has been planned for DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to discuss the crisis.

In an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC), DRC’s Foreign Minister solidified claims of Rwandan troop mobilization across borders, stating, “This is a frontal assault, a declaration of war that no longer hides behind diplomatic artifice.” Rwanda’s government countered this assertion, attributing blame to Kinshasa for escalating violence, while asserting that the ongoing conflicts by the border jeopardize Rwanda’s security.

UN observers have documented the presence of Rwandan troops in significant numbers, along with enhanced military capabilities aiding the M23 rebels. The UNSC has called for withdrawing foreign forces but refrained from explicitly naming any parties involved. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Rwanda to pull back its military forces from the DRC, a request that was met with rejection from Kigali. Sadly, the confrontations have also resulted in the deaths of approximately a dozen foreign peacekeepers.

The article discusses the escalating conflict between M23 rebels and the Congolese army in Goma, eastern DRC, highlighting the territorial and humanitarian crisis fueled by Rwandan support for the rebels. The situation involves significant regional dynamics, with ethnic tensions and militia conflicts dating back over thirty years, complicating efforts for peace and stability in the area.

The capture of Goma by M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, signifies a critical escalation in an ongoing conflict that poses severe challenges to regional security. The United Nations and other international bodies are increasingly involved in calls for peace, yet diplomatic solutions remain elusive amidst growing violence and humanitarian concerns.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com