UN Reports Nearly 3,000 Deaths in Goma as Rebels Seize Control
The UN reports nearly 3,000 fatalities in Goma, DRC, following a rebel takeover. The AFC coalition declared a ceasefire amidst ongoing violence. Years of conflict, driven by ethnic tensions and competition for resources, have led to severe humanitarian crises. M23 rebels continue territorial advances, exacerbating the situation as civilians seek refuge amidst escalating violence.
The United Nations has reported that nearly 3,000 individuals have lost their lives in the city of Goma, located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), after rebels captured the area following extensive conflict with the Congolese army. Vivian van de Perre, deputy head of the UN mission in the DRC, stated that around 2,000 bodies have been retrieved from the streets, with an additional 900 located in local morgues. The body count is expected to rise as decomposing remains are still found in various locations.
The rebel coalition known as the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes the M23 armed group, declared a ceasefire amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis attributed to the Congolese government. This announcement was dismissed by the DRC government as “false communication,” as reports of continuing violent clashes emerged from South Kivu province. Ethnic tensions and disputes over land and resources have fueled decades of violence in the DRC, leading to severe humanitarian issues.
Accusations have been directed towards Rwanda, claiming it supports the M23 rebels, who largely consist of ethnic Tutsis that defected from the Congolese army over a decade ago. Although Rwanda’s government has denied these allegations, it admitted to deploying troops in eastern Congo for security purposes. The M23 has reignited its rebellion since 2022, currently controlling substantial territories in North Kivu, including Goma.
Van de Perre voiced concerns about the ceasefire not being effective, as fighting persists towards Bukavu, just 50 kilometers from Goma. Reports indicate that rebel groups are advancing in eastern Congo, capturing significant territory and moving closer to critical infrastructure, including the airport in Bukavu, which is vital for humanitarian operations.
The rebels have downplayed their ambitions, stating they have “no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas,” yet they continue to gain ground and possess aspirations to expand their influence towards the national capital, Kinshasa, located approximately 930 miles from Goma. The situation remains precarious, with the UN expressing alarm at the deteriorating conditions that have led to increased suffering and displacement.
In Goma, the local population has sought refuge in UN peacekeeping bases amid the escalating violence. As the situation evolves, authorities have recognized the presence of rebel forces in Goma and established a new military administration for North Kivu. The conflict’s consequences underscore an urgent humanitarian crisis, with approximately 2,000 civilians currently displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has grappled with ongoing conflict characterized by ethnic tensions and battles over natural resources, resulting in widespread humanitarian crises. The city of Goma has become a focal point of violence, exacerbated recently by the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which has historical ties to ethnic Tutsis in the region. The involvement of neighboring Rwanda complicates the dynamics, as it is accused of providing military support to these rebels, further destabilizing the region.
The situation in Goma, DRC, remains critical as nearly 3,000 individuals have perished due to violent clashes between rebels and the Congolese army. The humanitarian crisis deepens as bodies continue to be discovered while ongoing combat threatens the stability of nearby regions, including Bukavu. The international community, particularly the UN, is calling for urgent intervention to address the rising death toll and the suffering of displaced civilians amidst the turmoil.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
