M23 rebels claim to have seized Congo’s city of Goma as civilians flee
3 min readM23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have claimed to have seized the city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as intense fighting in the region escalates. The announcement, made early on Monday, came just before the expiration of a 48-hour deadline the rebel group had imposed on the Congolese army, demanding that they surrender their weapons. The situation has caused mass panic among the city’s two million residents, who are now facing the brunt of an already escalating conflict.
Footage filmed late Sunday night captured flashes of light in the night sky, followed by the sound of gunfire near the city, signaling that the violence was rapidly intensifying. The situation has left Goma in a state of chaos, with residents fleeing in fear as the rebels move closer. For weeks, Goma had served as the last safe refuge for thousands of people displaced by ongoing fighting in the region, but now the city’s stability is in jeopardy.
The United Nations (UN) has warned of the dire humanitarian consequences, describing the situation as one of “mass panic.” With Goma being a vital hub for humanitarian aid and security in the region, the takeover by the M23 rebels threatens to destabilize the entire area. Civilians who had sought shelter in the city from the violence and instability in surrounding regions now face the looming threat of being caught in the crossfire or displaced once again.
The M23 rebels, who have long claimed to defend the interests of the Tutsi population, have made significant territorial gains in recent weeks. Their campaign in the region has been marked by heavy clashes with the Congolese army, and their advances have caused widespread fear. On Sunday, the rebel group called on the people of Goma to remain calm while urging members of the Congolese military to gather at the central stadium. However, the government’s response has been swift and defiant, with Congo’s officials labeling the M23 rebels’ actions as a “declaration of war.” This marks a significant escalation in the conflict and raises concerns that the violence could spread beyond the borders of the DRC.
The M23’s offensive, centered in the mineral-rich region of North Kivu, has the potential to dramatically worsen one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts. The province is already grappling with widespread instability, and the capture of Goma will likely lead to even more displacement and suffering. The United Nations has reported that over a third of North Kivu’s population is already displaced due to the ongoing fighting, and the situation is expected to worsen further as a result of the rebel group’s actions.
As the fighting continues, the humanitarian situation in the region is becoming increasingly dire. With the city of Goma now under threat, aid organizations are scrambling to provide support to those in need, but the escalating violence makes it difficult to deliver assistance. Hospitals in the area are overwhelmed with casualties, and access to essential services such as clean water and food is limited. The UN and other international bodies are calling for urgent intervention to address the crisis and prevent further bloodshed.
The conflict in eastern DRC has been fueled by a complex web of local, regional, and international factors, with multiple armed groups vying for control of the region’s vast natural resources. The M23 rebels, which are alleged to be supported by Rwanda, have long been at odds with the Congolese government, and the fighting has led to numerous civilian casualties and widespread displacement. Tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have further complicated efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the M23 rebels press their advance into Goma, the international community is calling for a ceasefire and renewed efforts to negotiate peace. The situation in eastern DRC is rapidly deteriorating, and without a coordinated international response, the humanitarian crisis in the region is set to deepen. The people of Goma, already traumatized by the ongoing conflict, now face an uncertain and perilous future as the M23 rebels tighten their grip on the city and surrounding areas.
Source: African News Agency
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