M23 Rebels Claim Control of Goma, Heightening Conflict Fears in Eastern DRC
M23 rebels claim to have seized Goma, escalating tensions in eastern DRC. Despite government denials, rapid advances by the rebel group have led to panic and heavy artillery fire in the city. The situation raises fears of a wider regional conflict involving Rwanda, as humanitarian conditions worsen.
The M23 rebel group has claimed control over Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), intensifying fears of broader conflict. Although the DRC government disputes this claim, M23 has reportedly made swift territorial gains. The situation has led to mass panic among residents, with significant military and humanitarian implications, prompting calls for calm even as violence escalates.
The eastern DRC has suffered from prolonged conflict, primarily due to the region’s rich mineral resources, making it a focal point for various armed groups, including M23. Formed in 2012, M23 largely comprises Tutsi fighters aimed at protecting their ethnic community. The involvement of Rwanda has complicated the conflict, with allegations of support for M23, raising concerns about potential regional instability.
The capture of Goma by M23 highlights the precarious security situation in the DRC and the potential for escalated conflict involving regional actors. With humanitarian conditions deteriorating and reports of heavy fighting, a broader crisis appears imminent, extending beyond the DRC’s borders.
Original Source: www.twz.com
