AFRICA

M23 REBELS TIGHTEN GRIP ON GOMA AS CONFLICT ESCALATES

M23 REBELS TIGHTEN GRIP ON GOMA AS CONFLICT ESCALATES
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Faith Nyasuguta

The M23 armed group, with backing from Rwanda, has strengthened its hold on Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking a major setback for the Congolese army. The development signals a serious escalation in the conflict that has already claimed hundreds of lives and displaced millions.

Intense Fighting and Rebel Gains

Fighting between M23 and Congolese armed forces intensified over three days, leaving more than 100 dead and nearly 1,000 wounded. On Sunday, M23 fighters entered Goma and by Monday, they claimed full control of the city. Despite a relative lull in fighting by Wednesday, sporadic gunfire persisted in the city’s northern districts of Katoyi, Mabanga, Majengo, Kibwe, and Turunga.

Bertrand Bisimwa, the leader of M23’s political wing, stated that the group was working to secure the last remaining areas. “Our army is working hard to guarantee total security, complete tranquility, and definitive peace,” he declared.

/AP/

By Wednesday, residents emerging from their homes found that M23 fighters and Rwandan troops had taken control of key locations, including Goma’s airport and much of the city center.

Rising Humanitarian Crisis

As the conflict escalates, humanitarian organizations have raised alarm over worsening conditions in Goma. The United Nations warned of mass displacement, food shortages, overwhelmed hospitals, and disease outbreaks.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that their medical operations in Goma were severely disrupted. A bullet struck the roof of their operating theater at Kyeshero Hospital during a procedure, and several medical supply stocks were looted. An MSF staff member was also shot in his home during an attack.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) described the situation as “devastating for civilians”, with wounded individuals struggling to access medical care. “Humanitarian workers must be allowed safe access to provide urgent necessities like food, healthcare, electricity, and drinking water,” said Francois Moreillon, head of the ICRC’s delegation in the DRC.

Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) warned that prolonged violence could severely disrupt food supplies into the city, exacerbating hunger and instability.

Growing International Pressure for Ceasefire

The United States and European nations have called for an immediate ceasefire, with some countries, including Belgium, issuing travel advisories for the region.

/Aljazeera/

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, urging for an end to hostilities. Kagame reportedly acknowledged the need for a ceasefire but stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict.

Meanwhile, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi refused to attend a planned emergency virtual meeting with Kagame, opting instead to address the Congolese people in a public statement.

For now, Goma remains under M23’s control, and thousands of residents have fled to Rwanda’s border town of Gisenyi. Those left behind face severe hardships, with electricity and internet cut off in most areas for days.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) warned that if left unchecked, the conflict could spiral into a regional war, reminiscent of the late 1990s and early 2000s, when millions perished in Congo’s multi-nation conflict.

As a potential resolution, the ICG proposed a temporary African-led administration for Goma, allowing negotiations to proceed while ensuring stability. However, with M23 advancing further south, the region faces an uncertain and volatile future.

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Faith Nyasuguta

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