Escalating Violence in Goma: A Humanitarian Crisis and Regional Tensions

Fighting intensifies in Goma, DRC, as militia and Rwandan troops clash with Congolese forces. Civilians face significant dangers amid heavy artillery fire, and humanitarian crises escalate. Diplomatic interventions are planned, but tensions remain high between DRC and Rwanda over resource control and historical grievances.

Fighting erupted in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Monday, with heavy artillery and gunfire as DRC forces confronted militia fighters and Rwandan troops. Conflicting reports emerged regarding how much of the city remained under Congolese control after the M23 group and Rwandan soldiers entered the city overnight.

Residents expressed fear as they heard ongoing gunfire, with one local stating, “We can hear the shooting outside our homes, we cannot leave.” The M23’s resurgence, which began in late 2021 after years of inactivity, has intensified conflicts in the mineral-rich North Kivu province.

The violence has escalated a humanitarian crisis, displacing over 400,000 individuals this year alone. The government is seeking to mitigate losses of life, according to spokesperson Patrick Muyaya. Meanwhile, the M23 declared their entry as a “glorious day marking the liberation for the city of Goma.”

M23 fighters, alongside 3,500 Rwandan soldiers, have entered Goma, escalating the situation after weeks of advancing toward the city. The UN and security sources reported severe explosions and gunfire throughout central Goma. A crisis summit is set for Wednesday with Congolese and Rwandan leaders, while the African Union’s Peace and Security Council will convene on Tuesday.

The complex relations between Rwanda and the DRC remain tense, particularly following historical conflicts exacerbated by resource control disputes. Reports indicate a mass jailbreak occurred amid the chaos, leading to additional casualties.

Rwandan military sources reported five civilians killed and 25 wounded in nearby Gisenyi due to cross-border violence, prompting security measures including the closure of the border between Rwanda and DRC.

Congolese officials characterized the presence of Rwandan soldiers in Goma as a declaration of war, with calls for UN intervention and sanctions against Rwanda. Previous resolutions have failed to prevent further militarization and conflicts in the region, heightening fears of expanded violence and instability.

The conflict in Goma, a city in eastern DRC, has deep roots in historical tensions and territorial disputes exacerbated by the past genocide in Rwanda. The M23, a rebel group largely composed of Tutsi members, re-emerged in recent years, leading to increased military confrontations. The mineral-rich North Kivu province has long been a focal point for conflict, drawing in regional powers and causing widespread displacement and humanitarian crises. The DRC and Rwanda has a tumultuous relationship, complicated by resource exploitation and historical grievances.

The situation in Goma reflects a complex interplay of local and regional dynamics, underscored by the resurgence of the M23 and the involvement of Rwandan troops. The humanitarian implications are dire, with significant displacement and civilian casualties reported. Regional leaders are urged to engage in diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation, while the international community has expressed concern over the unfolding crisis.

Original Source: www.cbs19news.com