Rwanda-Supported Rebels Take Control of Goma Amid Intensified Violence
Rwanda-supported rebels have seized Goma, DRC, following violent clashes, displacing thousands. Congolese officials condemned the actions, citing violations of sovereignty and humanitarian crises. The conflict endangers regional stability and continues to receive international attention, yet prospects for a ceasefire remain uncertain.
On Wednesday, an armed rebel group supported by Rwanda took control of Goma, a vital provincial capital in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following days of intense violence that resulted in numerous casualties and mass displacement. The city’s capture represents a serious setback for the Congolese government in Kinshasa and escalates tensions with Rwanda, which has historically backed the M23 rebel group.
Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner condemned the attack, labeling it a violation of national sovereignty and called for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan forces. She stated, “Thousands are trapped in the besieged city of Goma, with restricted access to food, water, electricity, [and] security.”
Rwanda has attributed the violence to the Congolese military, alleging violations of a previous ceasefire agreement. The Rwandan government has also accused Kinshasa of supporting groups related to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rwandan officials did not respond to inquiries regarding the situation.
Dorothy Shea, the acting U.S. ambassador, addressed the U.N. Security Council, condemning the seizure of Goma and urging the Security Council to take action. “We call for an immediate ceasefire and end to this fighting. Rwanda must withdraw troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo,” she insisted.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed discontent over the assault in discussions with Congolese and Rwandan leaders. He communicated to Rwandan President Paul Kagame his concerns regarding the activities of the M23 group, which he described as “deeply troubling”. Kagame noted the call was “productive” while emphasizing the importance of addressing the conflict’s root causes.
Goma’s hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, as around 300,000 individuals have fled their homes, according to the United Nations. Residents shared accounts of violence, with blocked roads leading to dwindling water supplies. Espoir Ngalukiye shared his dire circumstances as access to clean water became increasingly precarious, invoking an urgent need for external assistance.
As civilians flee Goma, many seek refuge in Rwanda, with one resident reporting mass exodus due to a lack of safe transport options. Bruno Lemarquis, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Congo, reported that artillery attacks had hit civilian sites, resulting in casualties, including vulnerable pregnant women and infants.
The M23 rebel group, primarily composed of Congolese Tutsis, had previously seized Goma in 2012, only to withdraw under international pressure after ten days. Congo, rich in mineral resources, has been embroiled in violent conflicts for nearly three decades due to these resources fueling armed factions.
The turmoil has drawn in forces from various nations, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Burundi has been involved in defending Goma since 2021, while Uganda was accused in a U.N. report of covertly aiding M23. Additionally, the Islamic State affiliate known as the Allied Democratic Forces has established a presence in the region.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has historical roots influenced by the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Rwanda’s support for various rebel groups, particularly M23, has been a context of continuous strife in the area, with armed groups vying for control over rich natural resources. This has led to a cycle of violence that involves multiple neighboring countries, highlighting a complex regional security crisis.
The capture of Goma by Rwandan-backed rebels represents a dangerous escalation in the conflict in eastern Congo, posing significant risks to regional stability. The humanitarian situation is dire, with thousands in desperate need of assistance. The international community continues to call for ceasefire and diplomatic engagement to resolve these tensions peacefully.
Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com
