M23 Rebels Assure Goma Residents of Safety Amid Ongoing Conflict

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels assured Goma residents of safety following their capture of the city amidst skepticism. The rebels aim to establish governance in the region, despite ongoing conflicts. Meanwhile, Malawi has begun planning the withdrawal of its peacekeeping forces in light of the ceasefire declaration.

In a display of reassurance, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels convened a rally in Goma, Eastern Congo, where they promised the local populace safety and stability following their recent capture of the city. Political leader Corneille Nangaa declared Goma ‘liberated and sanitized,’ announcing the appointment of new administrative heads and urging residents to return to normalcy, including the reopening of schools and offices. Despite assurances, concerns persist among residents regarding the reliability of these commitments amid ongoing conflict in the region.

The M23 rebels, supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, aim to strengthen their political presence and governance skills, contrasting their brief capture in 2012. They have invoked a ceasefire after overtaking Goma but continued to engage in conflicts, recently taking control of a significant town in a mineral-rich area. Congolese officials have labeled the ceasefire a ‘false communication’ in light of ongoing confrontations in the eastern regions of the country.

The situation for displaced residents remains precarious, as Goma was previously a vital humanitarian center accommodating over six million individuals affected by violence. Emmanuel Kakule, a Goma resident, expressed his skepticism regarding the rebel assurances for safety and stability. “I came to listen to their project. I don’t know if I’m convinced… We’re still afraid,” he remarked.

Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has initiated preparations for the withdrawal of his country’s peacekeeping forces, which included Malawian and South African troops, following the rebels’ declared ceasefire. He noted that this move aims to facilitate negotiations and foster lasting peace in the region but did not provide a definitive withdrawal timeline for Malawian forces.

The ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo involves numerous armed groups, with the M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, gaining significant territorial control in recent weeks. Their capture of Goma, a strategic city, raises serious concerns about the region’s stability and the safety of displaced populations. The geopolitical implications of Rwandan involvement in Congo’s internal conflicts complicate local governance and humanitarian efforts, necessitating a careful international response to ensure peace and aid.

In conclusion, the M23 rebels’ recent actions in Goma reflect a complex intertwining of military power, political aspirations, and humanitarian concerns. While they assure residents of safety and stability, skepticism and fear still pervade the populace. The withdrawal of international peacekeeping forces may further affect the region’s precarious balance, highlighting the critical need for sustained attention and intervention from the international community.

Original Source: apnews.com