M23 Rebels Capture Goma, Escalating Conflict in Eastern Congo
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Goma in the DRC, leading to widespread panic. The move follows an ultimatum for the Congolese military to surrender. The local government declared this a “declaration of war,” as the situation escalates with reported violence and civilian displacement.
Rwanda-backed rebels have claimed control over Goma, the preeminent city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), inciting mass panic among its two million inhabitants. Their advance follows the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum to the Congolese military to surrender. The M23 militia, predominantly Tutsi, declared that they aim to stabilize the region, despite the DRC government labeling this movement a “declaration of war.”
The Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has a long history of conflict, particularly following the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Since then, numerous armed groups have emerged, and the region has seen continuous strife. The M23, which previously seized Goma in 2012, has resurfaced, claiming to protect the local Tutsi population against threats from Hutu militias. This resurgence has further complicated an already volatile situation, where mineral wealth fuels tensions and displacement among the local population.
The capture of Goma by M23 rebels highlights the fragile state of security in the DRC. The ongoing conflict, fueled in part by regional dynamics and historical grievances, exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced. The international community’s response, including the UN’s evacuation efforts and calls for action against Rwanda, underscores the urgency for a diplomatic solution to the growing instability in the region.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
