M23 Rebels Complete Takeover of Goma, DRC, Amid Humanitarian Crisis
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have seized control of Goma, the regional capital of eastern DRC, after three days of fighting. They now dominate the airport and border with Rwanda, causing a humanitarian crisis as thousands seek safety. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and residents lack basic necessities due to the ongoing conflict.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have officially taken complete control of Goma, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s regional capital, following a span of three days marked by intense clashes with Congolese military forces. They now hold dominance over the city’s airport and the border with Rwanda, with earlier sounds of gunfire and shelling now silenced, signifying their victory in the conflict.
Goma serves as a critical humanitarian hub, providing refuge for hundreds of thousands fleeing the M23 insurgency from neighboring regions. As the rebel group’s forces encroached upon Goma’s periphery, many women and children sought safety within the city, now faced with the realities of life under the control of M23.
In light of the ongoing crises, local hospitals have struggled with an influx of injured civilians caught in military crossfire. Moreover, many residents remain trapped in their homes, lacking access to electricity, running water, and communications via mobile internet. The recent territorial gains by M23 in the eastern DRC, a region rich with valuable mines and strategic supply routes, have ultimately led to their capture of Goma.
While on the surface Goma may seem to possess limited strategic and economic significance, it stands as a pivotal point of leverage for future developments in the ongoing conflict.
The recent takeover of Goma by M23 rebels is the culmination of escalating tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, driven by armed conflict that has displaced large groups of civilians. The M23 group, receiving backing from Rwanda, has strategically advanced into key areas, capturing territories that boast valuable natural resources and establishing a foothold over an essential humanitarian gateway. The local population faces dire conditions as they navigate the unfolding crisis amidst ongoing violence and instability.
The M23 rebels’ takeover of Goma marks a significant advancement in their campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo, drastically altering the humanitarian landscape. The implications of this new control over the city and strategic territories may exacerbate the ongoing suffering of civilians while potentially reshaping the regional power dynamics as conflict continues to intensify. Future actions will be crucial in determining the trajectory of peace and security in the region.
Original Source: news.sky.com
