Escalating Violence in Goma: Rwanda-Backed Rebels Clash with…

Fighting erupted in Goma, DR Congo, between M23 rebels and government forces, causing widespread fear and displacement. M23 claims to control the city while the UN reports heavy bombardments and road blockages, trapping residents. The conflict has led to significant humanitarian concerns as thousands are displaced and violence escalates.

A severe crisis unfolded in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday as the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group clashed with government forces in the capital of North Kivu, Goma. Residents reported widespread fear and bombardments, with some feeling trapped due to road closures hindering their escape. Reports indicate that fighting commenced around noon the previous day and persisted throughout Monday.

In a distressing phone interview, Safari Kanyagala Patrick, a local taxi driver, described the dire situation, stating, “We are surrounded; there is no place to go.” Another resident, Muzige Gakiza, indicated that he and his family had been confined to their home since the outbreak of violence. Observers remain uncertain regarding control of the city as both rebel and government forces are engaged in combat.

M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kayuka proclaimed the “liberation” of Goma via a statement on X, urging Congolese soldiers to surrender and residents to remain calm. Contrarily, journalist Jimmy Bakomera insisted that government troops still held ground in certain regions of the city, highlighting ongoing uncertainty about the local military landscape.

The Uruguayan army, supporting UN peacekeepers in Goma, reported that M23 was on the offensive, having reportedly forced over 100 Congolese soldiers to disarm. Bintou Keita, the head of the UN stabilization mission, revealed that roads to Goma are blocked and rebel forces had closed the airspace, leaving the city under siege. Keita also mentioned that three peacekeepers had died recently, with injuries reported among additional personnel.

The M23, predominantly comprising the Congolese Tutsi ethnic group, previously took control of Goma in 2012. Their resurgence poses a threat to the already fragile stability of the mineral-rich region. The ongoing conflict has led to substantial displacement, with the UN estimating around 400,000 dislocated individuals since the start of the year, a figure that has doubled in the past week.

Additionally, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres urged the Rwanda Defense Forces to cease their support of M23 and withdraw from Congolese territory. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa advised citizens to exit North Kivu while borders remain accessible amid escalating hostilities.

The resurgence of the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo marks a troubling chapter in the region’s history of violence and instability. Having been primarily composed of individuals from the Congolese Tutsi ethnic group, the M23 has a legacy of conflict, having seized control of Goma in 2012 before retracting under international pressure. This current situation threatens to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, as millions have already been affected by ongoing violence and armed conflict since 1996, with significant loss of life and widespread displacement.

The clashes between M23 rebels and Congolese forces in Goma represent a significant escalation of violence in the region, jeopardizing the already precarious security situation. With both sides engaging in intense fighting and civilians caught in the crossfire, the calls for de-escalation and international intervention become ever more urgent. Historical context, including the involvement of foreign forces and the humanitarian impacts of previous conflicts, sheds light on the potential ramifications of the current crisis.

Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com