M23 Rebels Capture Goma Amid Rising Tensions and Humanitarian Crisis
Rwandan-backed rebels have occupied Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, amid reports of clashes with government forces and looting. The M23 militia claims control of the city despite uncertainty from independent sources. The situation raises humanitarian concerns and highlights regional instability as U.N. staff evacuate and diplomatic tensions rise between Congo and Rwanda.
On Monday, Rwandan-backed rebels entered Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, escalating a long-standing conflict in a region burdened by severe humanitarian crises. The M23 militia claimed control of the city, but independent verification remains pending. Gunfire was reported around the airport and city center, with residents witnessing ongoing clashes between M23 and government-aligned forces. Reports of looting have emerged, adding to the chaos.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo features multiple armed groups, primarily due to historical tensions following the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The M23, a Tutsi-led rebel faction, previously seized Goma in 2012 but retreated after international pressure. Despite prior agreements, the group resumed hostilities in 2022, capitalizing on the region’s vast mineral resources, including coltan, utilized in consumer electronics.
The recent capture of Goma by M23 forces represents an alarming development in the region’s ongoing conflicts, exacerbating humanitarian challenges. The situation has prompted U.N. evacuations and ignited diplomatic tensions between Congo and Rwanda. This cycle of violence illustrates the complexities rooted in regional power dynamics and the historical legacies of the past.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
