Mass Prison Break in Goma Amid Rebel Takeover in DRC
In a significant escalation of conflict, thousands of prisoners escaped from a Goma jail during a rebel attack claimed by Rwanda-backed M23 forces. The DRC government condemned the offensive as an act of war, leading to regional tensions. The situation raises alarms about the humanitarian crisis worsened by decades of conflict in the region, with large civilian displacements occurring amid ongoing violence.
On Monday, thousands of prisoners escaped from a prison in Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, following its seizure by Rwanda-backed rebels. The prisoners fled from a torched facility amid artillery fire, leading to panic among the city’s two million residents. Witnesses reported that fighters from the M23 rebel group entered Goma, although it remains unclear whether they have secured full control of the city. Meanwhile, the presence of these rebels raises concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in the region that has been afflicted by war for decades.
The M23 group’s actions are seen as a direct threat to the stability of the mineral-rich DRC, as over one-third of the local population is currently displaced. The DRC government has characterized the M23 advance as a “declaration of war” by Rwanda, prompting hostilities between the two nations along their shared border. In the past, the M23 group briefly controlled Goma in 2012 and resurfaced in 2021 amidst increasing support from Rwanda, a claim the latter has denied.
The DRC’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, addressed the UN Security Council, asserting that Rwanda is engaging in aggressive actions. In contrast, the French government has condemned the offensive, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressing solidarity with the DRC regarding its territorial integrity. Moreover, calls for de-escalation have been made by several international figures, including the UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy.
The United Nations condemned the rebels for undermining the DRC’s sovereignty and urged them to halt establishing their own administrations within Congolese territory. Additionally, humanitarian agencies report that refugee camps surrounding Goma are being emptied due to the advancing threat. For many families, repeated displacements without relief have become the norm, leading to a continuing crisis.
Unrest in the region has resulted in casualties among UN peacekeeping forces, with at least 13 peacekeepers killed in the past week. The ongoing conflict has persisted for over 25 years, with approximately 14,000 UN troops stationed in the area. Reports indicate many Congolese soldiers are abandoning their posts, seeking safety amidst the turmoil, while evacuation plans for UN personnel are being made by the Rwandan government.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has a long history of conflict involving multiple armed groups vying for control of its rich natural resources. The M23 rebel group, which has roots in previous conflicts, has recently gained prominence with claims of support from Rwanda. This ongoing unrest has culminated in a severe humanitarian crisis, leading to widespread displacement and international concern regarding stability in the region. The DRC has attempted to appeal for assistance from the global community to address these urgent issues.
The situation in Goma illustrates the fragility of peace in the DRC as armed conflicts continue to escalate, leading to a significant humanitarian crisis and mass displacements. The response from both local authorities and international entities emphasizes the dire need for diplomatic resolutions and humanitarian aid. As the M23 rebels advance, the potential for increased violence and suffering among civilians looms large, necessitating immediate attention from global powers and organizations.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
