Congo’s Goma Falls to M23 Rebels Amid Violence and Protests \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ M23 rebels have entered Goma, Congo’s eastern trade hub, intensifying violence and sparking protests in the capital, Kinshasa. The U.N. reports looting, rapes, and overwhelmed hospitals, with thousands fleeing across the border. As the humanitarian crisis worsens, international condemnation grows against Rwanda, accused of backing the rebels. Analysts warn the conflict could escalate into a regional war.
Congo Crisis: M23 Rebels, Protests, and Humanitarian Disaster
- M23 Rebels Advance: Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claim control of Goma, a critical city in eastern Congo.
- Humanitarian Crisis: U.N. reports widespread violence, looting, and overwhelmed hospitals amid the fighting.
- Protests Erupt: Demonstrators in Kinshasa target embassies, demanding global condemnation of Rwanda’s involvement.
- International Condemnation: The African Union and several nations call for M23 to withdraw and disband.
- Regional War Concerns: Analysts warn the escalating crisis risks sparking a broader regional conflict.
Deep Look
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached a critical turning point as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claim to have seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo. With reports of looting, gender-based violence, and heavy casualties, the humanitarian crisis deepens, and the specter of regional war looms.
The Fall of Goma
On Tuesday, Congolese security forces attempted to push back advancing M23 rebels who say they have captured Goma, a strategic city that serves as a regional trade hub and refuge for hundreds of thousands of displaced people.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported widespread violence in Goma, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of wounded civilians.
“The humanitarian situation in and around Goma remains extremely worrying,” said Jens Laerke, U.N. humanitarian spokesman, describing streets littered with dead bodies and reports of rapes and looting by fighters.
M23 fighters, reportedly bolstered by Rwandan support, have advanced steadily since their resurgence in late 2021. The group now appears emboldened, with a representative, Manzi Ngarambe, announcing plans to establish an administration in Goma to allow displaced residents to return.
“There will be no bloodbath. We want to live in peace,” Ngarambe said, denying allegations of Rwandan backing and expressing openness to talks with Congolese officials.
Humanitarian Crisis in Goma
The violence has further strained an already dire humanitarian situation. Hospitals are struggling to treat casualties, and key infrastructure, including roads and the airport, has been rendered unusable. Aid organizations have been cut off from reaching displaced populations who rely on them for food, clean water, and medical supplies.
Bruno Lemarquis, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Congo, described the situation as “extremely, extremely worrying,” citing shelling at a maternity hospital that killed civilians, including pregnant women and newborns.
Thousands of residents have fled Goma, many crossing the border into Rwanda despite the risk of being caught in crossfire.
“What we want is this war to come to an end,” said Christian Bahati, a teacher now sheltering in the Rwandan town of Gisenyi. “Congolese people are victims but find themselves seeking refuge from the aggressor.”
Kinshasa Protests and International Condemnation
In Kinshasa, the Congolese capital, anger erupted as protesters targeted at least 10 foreign embassies, including those of Rwanda, the United States, France, and Belgium. Demonstrators demanded global condemnation of Rwanda’s role in the conflict.
“The international community must tell Rwanda to stop this adventure,” said protester Timothée Tshishimbi.
The attacks were widely condemned by affected nations and the Congolese government, which pledged to bolster security at embassies.
International reactions have intensified, with the African Union calling for M23 rebels to withdraw and disband. The United States, United Kingdom, and France have also denounced Rwanda’s alleged involvement, a charge Rwanda has consistently denied.
The Role of Rwanda
Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels has been a contentious issue, with U.N. experts estimating that up to 4,000 Rwandan troops are present in Congo. Rwandan officials have justified their actions as necessary to protect their borders from Hutu militias linked to the 1994 genocide.
“The very people who murdered people here in Rwanda still exist and are supported by the Congolese government,” Rwandan President Paul Kagame said earlier this month.
The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of using these claims as a pretext to destabilize eastern Congo and control its valuable mineral resources.
Escalation Risks and Regional Implications
Analysts warn that the conflict could escalate into a broader regional war. The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has urged for dialogue, but past efforts to mediate between Congo and Rwanda have largely failed.
Murithi Mutiga, Africa program director for the Crisis Group, noted that tensions between the two nations are at their highest in years.
“The risk of a regional confrontation has never been higher,” Mutiga said, suggesting Congo might seek support from South Africa or other nations to counter Rwanda’s backing of M23.
A Longstanding Conflict Resurfaces
The M23 rebellion is the latest chapter in a conflict that has plagued eastern Congo for decades. The group temporarily seized Goma in 2012 before being forced to withdraw under international pressure. After years of dormancy, the rebels reemerged in 2021, gaining momentum with what Congolese authorities and U.N. experts describe as increasing Rwandan support.
This escalation threatens to undo fragile peace efforts in a region already devastated by violence and displacement.
The Path Forward
The situation in Goma remains fluid, with conflicting reports about who controls the city. Efforts to mediate between the Congolese government and M23 rebels are urgently needed to prevent further bloodshed and avert a broader regional war.
For now, the people of Goma and surrounding areas bear the brunt of the violence, trapped in a cycle of conflict that shows no sign of abating.
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