Escalating Conflict in Goma Forces Western Nations to Urge Evacuations

Intensified clashes near Goma between DRC army and M23 have prompted UK, US, and France to advise citizens to evacuate. The UN reports over 400,000 displacements this year. Renewed hostilities have raised concerns of a broader regional conflict, as humanitarian crises persist. The situation remains critical with active military engagements ongoing.

Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently experiencing intensified clashes between the Congolese army (FARDC) and the armed group M23. As the situation escalates, Western nations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and France, have advised their citizens to evacuate Goma, citing an imminent risk of further deterioration. This comes in the wake of failed peace talks and marked territorial gains by M23, exacerbating an ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting the region’s population.

The UN reports a staggering 400,000 people displaced in North Kivu within just this year. The organization expresses deep concern regarding the welfare of civilians and internally displaced persons. Increased hostilities have forced families to flee makeshift camps and seek refuge in Goma. UNHCR speaker Matthew Saltmarsh highlights the urgency of safety amidst the chaos ensuing from ongoing bombardments.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced alarm over the renewed hostilities, emphasizing the adverse effects on civilian lives and the looming threat of wider regional conflict. Clashes were reported just 20 kilometers from Goma, with both sides actively engaged in combat. A security source indicated violent exchanges occurring along the Kanyamahoro-Kibumba road, with M23 reportedly situated in Sake, further complicating the already unstable environment.

The Congolese army has mobilized forces, including helicopters, to counter the M23 advance. Efforts to secure the town of Sake are ongoing, with multiple airstrikes reported. Tragically, the military governor of North Kivu has died, underscoring the conflict’s human cost. Medical teams are active in Goma, attending to the injured, while civilians have begun fleeing en masse towards the city center in search of safety.

Goma has historically been a focal point of violence in eastern DRC, having previously been captured by M23 in 2012. Despite previous military successes in regaining control with UN assistance, recent diplomatic efforts have not yielded resolution. An Angola-mediated peace process’ meetings have resulted in impasses, while Türkiye has proposed to mediate between the DRC and Rwanda to foster dialogue.

The current conflict in Eastern DRC roots back to long-standing tensions among various armed groups and the Congolese government. The M23 group, which has emerged again, is accused of being supported by Rwanda, complicating the geopolitical landscape. A series of failed peace negotiations have perpetuated instability, generating vast humanitarian concerns due to massive displacements over the years, particularly in the North Kivu region. As the situation has escalated, international response has focused on the safety of foreign nationals residing in the region, highlighting the urgency of the matter.

In summary, the deteriorating security situation in Goma, DR Congo has forced Western nations to recommend evacuation of their citizens amidst escalating violence between Congolese authorities and M23 rebels. With significant civilian displacements and humanitarian crises becoming a grim reality, international concern grows about potential regional conflicts. Diplomatic efforts remain essential but have so far yielded limited results, necessitating the need for urgent mediation and support for affected populations.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com