M23 Rebels Capture Goma: A New Phase of Conflict in the DRC

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have taken full control of Goma, DRC, including its airport and border with Rwanda, following violent clashes with local forces. The city, serving as a humanitarian refuge for many displaced individuals, now faces challenges under the rebel administration amid deteriorating living conditions for its residents. Injured civilians have overwhelmed local hospitals as the conflict’s severity escalates.

The M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, has successfully seized Goma, the capital of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), after three days of intense fighting with Congolese military forces. This control extends to the city’s airport and the border with Rwanda, leading to a cessation of gunfire and artillery from the Rwandan side. Many civilians who sought refuge in Goma face a precarious future under the rebels’ administration.

The conflict in the DRC has deep roots, involving various local and international stakeholders. The M23 group has previously contested control of resource-rich territories in eastern DRC, which has exacerbated instability in the region. Goma currently serves as a strategic humanitarian hub for thousands displaced by conflict in surrounding areas, making the control of this city significant for both military and economic reasons.

The takeover of Goma by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict in the DRC. This shift in power raises critical concerns for the safety and welfare of civilians. As the situation continues to unfold, the humanitarian implications remain dire, necessitating urgent attention from international observers and human rights advocates.

Original Source: news.sky.com