Escalating Violence in DRC: Rebel Group Advances Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Tensions are high in the DRC due to M23 rebel advances in North Kivu and South Kivu. President Tshisekedi is set to address the nation amid the humanitarian crisis, as fighting intensifies in Goma. The U.N. reports M23’s control of strategic locations, raising concerns for civilian safety and security.
Tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remain elevated as the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has advanced throughout the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi is anticipated to address the nation regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the rebels’ growing influence in eastern regions, though the timing of his speech has yet to be confirmed.
The National Assembly’s president, Vital Kamerhe, announced this following a significant meeting that discussed the security situation in Goma, the capital of North Kivu, which is currently experiencing rebel assaults. Gunfire has been reported throughout Goma since Sunday, particularly affecting areas near the Rwandan border, heightening concerns among citizens.
Bruno Lemarquis, the deputy U.N. envoy, remarked on the rapid escalation of combat, stating that “active combat zones have spread to all neighborhoods of the city.” Reports indicate that M23 rebels have captured critical positions, including Mount Goma, complicating the situation further and leading to increased civilian displacement.
As a result of escalating violence, the border between Rwanda and the DRC near Goma was closed, with many residents fleeing to Gisenyi, a town in Rwanda. M23 declared that the “liberation of the city has been completed” and claimed to have achieved control following a two-day ultimatum for Congolese forces to withdraw.
Recent reports from U.N. experts detailed that the M23 had seized vital facilities, including military bases, airports, and ports, establishing a parallel administration in captured towns. The U.N. Security Council is set to convene an emergency meeting to address the security crisis, while Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the ongoing offensive by the M23 and urged for an immediate halt to hostilities.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has endured longstanding conflicts, often exacerbated by the activities of various rebel groups. The M23 movement, which has garnered international attention, has been involved in violent confrontations in the eastern regions, notably North Kivu. Given the humanitarian ramifications and the displacement crisis, understanding the dynamics at play in this conflict is vital for regional stability and international relations.
In summary, the situation in Goma is rapidly deteriorating as the M23 rebel group continues to assert control over vast areas in eastern DRC. The imminent address from President Felix Tshisekedi is expected to provide insights into the government’s response to the escalating crisis, while international entities, including the U.N., remain concerned about the implications for humanitarian security and regional peace.
Original Source: english.news.cn
