M23’s Control Over Goma Escalates Tensions in Eastern DRC

Rwanda-backed M23 has intensified control over Goma province, indicating a decisive blow to the Congolese military. Reports note over 100 fatalities and a humanitarian crisis emerging from the conflict. Despite diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, instability continues as M23 threatens further aggression into South Kivu.

The M23, a rebel group backed by Rwanda, has further consolidated its hold on Goma, the largest city in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This represents a significant setback for the Congolese military amid an ongoing conflict that has claimed numerous lives and displaced millions. Following a series of violent confrontations, which left over 100 individuals dead, M23 fighters asserted their control over Goma after entering the city last Sunday.

Although fighting has subsided in Goma’s urban center, sporadic gunfire persists in northern districts. Reports indicate that M23 forces, alongside Rwandan troops, have seized strategic locations including the airport. The head of M23’s political wing, Bertrand Bisimwa, indicated that efforts are ongoing to stabilize the final areas of conflict within Goma.

International humanitarian organizations have voiced concerns regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Goma, highlighting potential food shortages, mass displacements, and increased health risks due to overburdened healthcare facilities. Reports from Doctors Without Borders reveal that their operations have been severely hindered, necessitating urgent medical assistance for the wounded amidst the ongoing violence.

In light of the escalating conflict, both the DRC and international observers have accused Rwanda of providing support to the M23 group, a claim that Rwanda has denied. The United Nations and other nations have called upon Rwandan authorities to cease their backing of the rebels, amidst growing fears of the conflict’s regional ramifications.

Diplomatic efforts are underway, with calls for a ceasefire mounting from countries such as the United States and Belgium. Notably, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has declined to join an emergency virtual summit with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, choosing instead to make a public address regarding the situation in Goma.

As stability remains elusive, humanitarian workers continue to stress the urgent need for access to aid. The International Crisis Group has warned that the unchecked violence may lead to a broader conflict reminiscent of past crises in the region.

The M23 group emerged in 2012 amidst accusations of supporting Tutsi-related interests in the DRC. Following a brief control of Goma, the group went dormant until a resurgence in violence occurred in 2022. Currently, M23 has capitalized on internal DRC tensions, leading to significant international scrutiny and humanitarian crises. With millions displaced and widespread violence, the situation in Goma serves as a microcosm of the larger instability in the eastern DRC.

The situation in Goma underscores the complexities of regional conflicts exacerbated by external interventions. As M23 continues to assert dominance, the humanitarian landscape deteriorates, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic negotiations and humanitarian aid access. A coordinated international response is crucial to mitigate further escalation and restore stability in the region.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com