M23 Rebels Assure Safety to Goma Residents Amid Ongoing Conflict

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured Goma in eastern Congo and reassured residents of their safety during a recent rally. Despite claims of stability and a ceasefire, violence remains a concern as the international community, including the UN and neighboring nations, expresses alarm over the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis affecting millions of displaced individuals in the region.

Rwanda-backed rebels, known as the M23, hosted a rally on Thursday in Goma, a city in eastern Congo they recently captured. The event was aimed at reassuring local residents of their safety and the stability that would ensue under their control. Corneille Nangaa, the political leader of the M23, declared Goma “liberated and sanitized” and urged residents to return to normalcy as state functions resumed. He emphasized that security is their priority and announced that schools would reopen next week.

The M23 rebels captured Goma with the assistance of approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops. Analysts note that unlike their previous siege in 2012, when they briefly held the city, their current objective appears to be gaining political power rather than merely territorial control. Despite claiming a ceasefire after the city’s capture, reports indicate continued aggression, with the rebels recently seizing an additional town in the resource-abundant region.

Congo’s government has rejected the rebels’ declared ceasefire, labeling it as “false communication.” The United Nations has raised alarms regarding the escalating violence involving Congolese forces and the deteriorating humanitarian situation as Goma, previously a vital aid hub, now struggles to support the over six million displaced individuals in the region.

Locals remain skeptical; for instance, Emmanuel Kakule, a 26-year-old resident, voiced his apprehensions despite attending the rally to learn about the M23’s plans. He expressed, “I do not know if I am convinced… We are still afraid.”

In response to the ongoing conflict, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera announced the preparation for the withdrawal of his country’s peacekeeping forces from eastern Congo. This decision aligns with the rebels’ ceasefire announcement, intended to facilitate negotiations and foster lasting peace. The timeline for the withdrawal of Malawian troops remains unspecified.

The situation in eastern Congo, particularly in Goma, has been volatile due to the presence of multiple armed groups, including the M23 rebels, who have a historic connection with Rwanda. The region is rich in minerals essential for global technology, making it a hotspot for conflict. With over 6 million displaced by violence, Goma serves as a crucial humanitarian center that is now threatened by the ongoing instability and violence instigated by factions like the M23. The international community, including the UN, is closely monitoring the situation due to the complex dynamics involving local populations, rebel groups, and international military forces.

The M23 rebels’ recent capture of Goma and their subsequent claims of providing safety highlight the intricate interplay of military power and local governance in eastern Congo. As international tensions rise and local residents express fear and skepticism, the path towards peace remains uncertain. The withdrawal of Malawian peacekeepers further complicates the situation, potentially leaving Congolese forces vulnerable amid ongoing conflicts with various armed groups. Thus, the political and humanitarian future of Goma and its residents remains precarious.

Original Source: apnews.com