Ongoing Conflict in Goma: Violence Escalates Amid M23 Control and…

Fighting in Goma continues as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels claim control. U.N. officials report rampant violence and civilian casualties, including strikes on hospitals. The situation remains severe, with disruptions to essential services, while the M23 militia’s resurgence raises concerns about ongoing conflict in the region.

Fighting continues in Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels declared control over the area. Bruno Lemarquis, a senior U.N. official, conveyed that the situation remains dire with active combat reported throughout the city’s neighborhoods. Congolese troops are reportedly engaged in skirmishes with Rwandan forces across the border, marking a significant escalation in an enduring conflict that has spanned more than a decade.

Lemarquis highlighted that artillery strikes were directed at urban centers, including a maternity hospital, leading to civilian casualties among newborns and pregnant women. The local conditions have been described as chaotic, indicating a grave humanitarian crisis. The U.N. peacekeeping force, which consists of nearly 11,000 personnel, is remaining vigilant, despite the troubling circumstances unfolding in Goma.

Moreover, the rebels from the M23 militia, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsi, claimed to have captured this lakeside city, which is a crucial hub for displaced individuals and humanitarian aid. Past M23 occupation occurred in 2012, indicating a troubling recurrence of violence in the region. Lemarquis has noted the severe disruption of services in Goma, which has seen internet access terminated, sporadic phone connectivity, and interruptions to essential utilities such as water and electricity.

The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has historical roots, particularly involving tensions between various ethnic groups, with the M23 militia emerging as a significant player due to its Tutsi affiliation. Goma, strategically located on the border with Rwanda, serves as a focal point for humanitarian operations, which have become increasingly complicated by the resurgence of violence. The U.N. peacekeeping force has been engaged in stabilizing the region amidst these recurrent crises, struggling with significant operational challenges due to security threats and infrastructure disruptions.

In conclusion, the situation in Goma remains precarious as fighting persists, with a substantial humanitarian crisis unfolding. The reported presence of Rwandan troops supporting the M23 rebels in the city exacerbates these tensions. With reports of civilian casualties, infrastructural breakdowns, and an ongoing need for U.N. peacekeepers, the region’s stability remains a significant concern for both local and international stakeholders.

Original Source: www.usnews.com