Tensions Escalate as Rwanda-Backed Rebels Claim Control in Goma, Congo

Fear gripped Goma, eastern Congo, as M23 rebels claimed to have captured the city. Gunfire filled the streets while military personnel marched in, raising concerns about control. Congolese authorities accused Rwanda of aggression, as thousands fled the city amidst escalating violence, urging for international intervention amid a critical humanitarian crisis.

Residents of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, experienced fear and uncertainty as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claimed control over the area. Gunfire echoed throughout the night, and military personnel were spotted entering the city amidst cheers from some locals. The Congolese government has yet to verify this takeover, while tensions between armed groups in the mineral-rich region continue to escalate, with M23 reviving its insurgency in late 2021.

The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the longest-running wars in Africa, with approximately 100 armed groups competing for influence in the region. The M23 rebel group, which has ties to Rwanda, previously captured Goma in 2012 and has reportedly gained renewed strength since late 2021. The ongoing violence has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, with over 6 million people displaced within the DRC. The U.N. Security Council has urged the M23 to halt its offensive actions and respect the sovereignty of the DRC.

The situation in Goma highlights the deteriorating security landscape in eastern Congo, exacerbated by continued hostilities from the M23 rebels. With a history of conflict and humanitarian crises in the region, local populations face significant peril, seeking refuge as violence escalates. The international community, as reflected in U.N. statements, calls for immediate resolution to restore peace and security in the area.

Original Source: apnews.com