The UN reports that nearly 3,000 people have died in Goma, DR Congo, after rebel capture amid ongoing fighting. M23 and the Alliance Fleuve Congo declared a ceasefire, yet the Congolese government refutes its sincerity. The conflicts stem from ethnic tensions and resource disputes, with accusations of Rwandan support for rebels intensifying the crisis.
The United Nations reports nearly 3,000 fatalities in Goma following its capture by rebels after intense clashes with the Congolese army. Vivian van de Perre of the UN stated that 2,000 bodies have already been collected from Goma’s streets, with an additional 900 in hospitals, and more bodies expected as some remain unretrieved.
In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, the rebel coalition Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes the M23 group, declared a ceasefire. However, the Congolese government dismissed this ceasefire as insincere, with reports of ongoing violence in South Kivu province.
DR Congo has faced prolonged violence due to ethnic conflicts and disputes over land and resources, resulting in a severe humanitarian situation. The United States and UN experts accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 group, which predominantly comprises ethnic Tutsis that separated from the army over a decade ago. Rwanda denies this claim but admits to having military forces in eastern DR Congo for its security, as stated by President Paul Kagame.
Since 2022, M23 has renewed its rebellion against the Congolese government, seizing significant areas in North Kivu, rich in valuable minerals like coltan essential for digital technologies. Initial hopes for peace were dashed as fighting continued near Bukavu despite the ceasefire declaration.
The UN expressed grave concerns over the potential loss of critical areas, including Kavumu airport in Bukavu. The rebel coalition claims it does not intend to capture the city, even as the M23 moves closer, maintaining its stance on civilian protection amid territorial expansion plans.
AFC’s leadership articulated intentions to establish a new administration in Goma and advance towards South Kivu and eventually Kinshasa. The Congolese government has yet to officially recognize the rebels’ control but has acknowledged their presence in Goma, with ongoing military efforts in North Kivu.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has a long history of conflicts rooted in ethnic divisions and the struggle for control over rich natural resources, leading to considerable loss of life and humanitarian crises. The eastern regions, especially Goma and surrounding areas, have seen repeated uprisings driven by various rebel groups such as M23, which have been accused of receiving external support, particularly from neighboring Rwanda. The current situation reflects longstanding instability, exacerbated by competition for valuable resource extraction and political control.
The situation in Goma highlights the severe humanitarian impact of ongoing conflict in the region, with thousands dead and many displaced. The complexity of the conflict is worsened by the involvement of external actors and the historical context of violent territorial disputes. Without a resolution, the ongoing violence threatens further escalation, endangering civilian lives and regional stability.
Original Source: keyt.com
