M23 Rebels Claim Control Over Goma, Assure Residents of Safety

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured Goma, eastern Congo, promising safety and stability during a rally. They announced a ceasefire but have continued military actions. Concerns are growing over humanitarian circumstances as violence persists, prompting international attention and troop withdrawal preparations by Malawi.

In Goma, eastern Congo, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels held a rally on Thursday to reassure local residents following their recent capture of the city. The M23’s political leader, Corneille Nangaa, promised the townspeople security and stability under their governance, emphasizing that the city is now “liberated and sanitized.” He urged citizens to return to school and work, asserting that displaced individuals would return to their homes.

The M23 rebels, now bolstered by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, are increasingly seeking political legitimacy and support. Despite announcing a unilateral ceasefire, they recently seized another town within a resource-rich region. This has raised concerns from the Congolese government, which characterized the ceasefire as insincere, as fighting continues elsewhere in eastern Congo.

The current situation in Goma reflects a complex relationship between the M23 rebels and the Congolese government, compounded by Rwanda’s involvement. Goma has historically been a strategic humanitarian hub, hosting over six million displaced individuals due to ongoing regional conflict. Consequently, the international community, including U.N. agencies, is paying close attention to the unfolding violence and humanitarian implications, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The events in Goma, driven by the M23 rebels’ promises of safety and the involvement of Rwandan troops, highlight the precariousness of stability in eastern Congo. As Nigeria President Lazarus Chakwera announces preparations for troop withdrawal, it poses further questions about the region’s security and the prospects for negotiation and lasting peace amid ongoing tensions.

Original Source: apnews.com