73

Eastern Congo faces escalating violence as M23 rebels claim control of Goma, worsening the region’s fragile stability.

M23 Rebels Claim Goma

The M23 rebel group declared they have taken over Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, announced, “We captured Goma and instructed soldiers to surrender by 3 p.m. local time.” However, these assertions remain unverified by independent sources.

Residents reported continuous gunfire and rampant looting in Goma. By late morning, M23 fighters appeared in the city, while Congolese soldiers laid down their weapons under white flags. Despite these developments, fighting persisted in the central parts of the city.

Border Clashes Escalate

The M23, reportedly supported by Rwanda, intensified their push toward Goma in recent days. By Sunday evening, they had reached Munigi, a suburb just nine kilometers from Goma’s center. Following negotiations, some Congolese soldiers reportedly evacuated the city by boat toward Bukavu.

Meanwhile, reports from the United Nations indicated exchanges of fire between Rwandan and Congolese troops across their shared border near Goma, further aggravating the crisis.

UN Demands Rebel Withdrawal

In response to the growing violence, the UN Security Council met on Sunday to discuss the situation. They demanded an immediate end to the M23 offensive and called on Rwanda to withdraw its alleged support. “The roads are blocked, and the airport is no longer usable for humanitarian aid or evacuations,” explained Bintou Keita, head of the UN mission in Congo.

The United States, France, and the United Kingdom strongly condemned Rwanda’s suspected involvement. In defense, Rwanda denied the allegations, with UN Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo criticizing Congo for its lack of dedication to peace.

Humanitarian Challenges Deepen

Since the 1994 Rwandan genocide, instability has plagued eastern Congo. The M23, a Tutsi-led militia, is the latest in a long line of armed groups contributing to the region’s turmoil. Their offensive, which began on January 23, has displaced hundreds of thousands, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. The World Food Programme, citing security concerns, has temporarily halted its emergency assistance.

With violence surging and displacement escalating, the need for international intervention grows more urgent by the day.