M23 Rebels Assure Safety to Goma Residents Amid Ongoing Conflicts

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels assure Goma residents of safety after capturing the city. Their political leader, Corneille Nangaa, emphasizes stability and the reopening of schools. However, ongoing conflicts and humanitarian concerns persist, prompting Malawi’s President to plan troop withdrawals in response to the rebels’ ceasefire declaration.

In Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels held a rally to reassure residents following their recent capture of the city. The event aimed to bolster public support amid international scrutiny concerning their actions. M23’s political leader, Corneille Nangaa, claimed Goma has been “liberated and sanitized”, urging the community to feel secure under their administration so that displaced citizens could return home and schools could reopen.

Despite their assertions of establishing stability, the M23’s actions contradict their claims. U.N. experts report approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops are assisting the rebels, who have become a significant force among the multitude of armed groups in eastern Congo. While the M23 declared a ceasefire post-capture, they continue to engage in hostilities, including the recent acquisition of another town rich in resources critical to global technology.

The Congolese government rejects the M23’s ceasefire as insincere amidst reports of ongoing conflicts. Humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concerns regarding the safety and well-being of the thousands of displaced individuals in Goma, previously a vital humanitarian hub. One resident, Emmanuel Kakule, articulated his trepidation despite attending the rally, stating he remained unconvinced and fearful of the current situation.

Amidst this developing situation, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera announced preparations for the eventual withdrawal of his nation’s peacekeeping contingent from eastern Congo, a move he asserts is in line with the rebels’ ceasefire declaration. This decision follows the loss of Malawian and South African soldiers amid the conflict. The timeline for these troops’ withdrawal has yet to be specified, but the intent is to facilitate negotiations towards sustainable peace in the region.

The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has seen a resurgence of violence, particularly with the rise of the M23 rebel group, which has garnered support from the Rwandan military. Goma has historically been a hotspot for conflict, serving as a humanitarian base for the millions displaced due to regional violence. The M23’s ambitions go beyond military control, seeking to establish political authority amidst international and local tensions.

The situation in Goma reflects a complex mixture of conflict, humanitarian crisis, and regional power struggles. While M23 leaders advocate for safety and governance, skepticism remains among residents who are grappling with fear and uncertainty. The potential withdrawal of peacekeeping forces from Malawi underscores the precarious nature of stability in the region, emphasizing the need for genuine dialogue and long-term solutions to the ongoing crisis.

Original Source: apnews.com