M23 Strengthens Control Over Goma as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have tightened their grip on Goma in the DRC, leading to significant casualties and escalating tensions. Humanitarian aid organizations warn of severe crises as medical facilities struggle amid violence. International calls for a ceasefire are intensifying, yet the region faces dangerous instability if negotiations fail.

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have intensified their control over Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This marks a significant setback for the Congolese military and escalates a protracted conflict that has already resulted in numerous casualties and displacements. After engaging in three days of fierce combat, M23 fighters entered Goma, claiming full control shortly thereafter, with over 100 fatalities and nearly 1,000 wounded reported during the fighting.

Despite a lull in heavy combat, sporadic gunfire continues in several northern neighborhoods of Goma, indicating ongoing tensions. Local reports highlight that M23 and Rwandan forces have seized key infrastructures, including the airport, leaving the city’s once-busy streets eerily quiet. M23’s political wing leader, Bertrand Bisimwa, announced their efforts to restore security in the city, stating, “Our army is working hard to guarantee total security…”.

In a concerning humanitarian backdrop, aid organizations have raised alarms over the deteriorating conditions in Goma, warning of mass displacements and food shortages. Medical facilities, particularly Kyeshero Hospital, are overwhelmed with casualties arising from the conflict, and incidents of looting have severely affected medical supplies. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Doctors Without Borders have urged for urgent humanitarian access to assist those in need.

As international calls for a ceasefire grow louder, discussions involving US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasize the urgent need for resolution. However, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has opted out of a scheduled virtual emergency meeting, choosing instead to address his nation. Analysts express concerns that if the conflict continues, it may spiral out of control, risking a broader regional crisis.

The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has become increasingly complex, with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels reigniting violence in Goma. Historically, M23 emerged to advocate for the rights of the Tutsi minority and has been implicated in numerous clashes against the Congolese army. The resurgence of violence, particularly the recent takeover of Goma, underscores a volatile political landscape marked by deep-seated grievances and international interventions.

The situation in Goma encapsulates the multifaceted crises facing the eastern DRC, including humanitarian disasters and the potential for further military escalations. As M23 continues to assert control, the calls for a ceasefire by international stakeholders gain critical importance. Without effective intervention and dialogue, the risk of a regional conflict reminiscent of past wars remains alarming, necessitating urgent diplomatic efforts to restore peace.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com