M23 Rebels Assure Goma Residents of Safety Amid Growing Turmoil

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels assured residents of Goma, Congo, of safety following their capture of the city. During a rally, leaders declared stability under their governance, despite international skepticism and ongoing pressures. Meanwhile, Malawi prepares to withdraw its peacekeeping forces amid the conflict, emphasizing the need for negotiations and peace.

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels recently reassured residents of Goma, a city in eastern Congo they seized last week, by holding a rally at the local stadium. During the event, the M23’s political leader, Corneille Nangaa, declared the city has been “liberated and sanitized”, promising safety and stability under their governance. He urged residents to rest easy, emphasizing that security is their priority and announcing that schools will reopen soon.

Despite the optimism projected by the M23, international scrutiny is growing. Some analysts speculate that the M23, which has received support from approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, is keen on establishing political authority after its sustained control of Goma. The group had previously captured the city in 2012 but held it only briefly, contrasting with their current intentions.

The rebels claimed to have declared a unilateral ceasefire after taking Goma, while simultaneously continuing to expand their territory by capturing a mineral-rich town nearby, thereby raising concerns about the ceasefire’s validity. The Congolese government sharply criticized this declaration as “false communication”, while the United Nations reported ongoing heavy fighting in eastern Congo.

Amid mounting concern for displaced persons in Goma, who numbered over 6 million before the recent upheaval, local residents like Emmanuel Kakule expressed mixed feelings towards the rebels’ promises. Kakule remains uncertain, stating, “I came to listen to their project. I don’t know if I’m convinced. We’re still afraid.”

In response to the escalating tensions, Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera directed his peacekeepers to begin preparations for withdrawal. This decision aligns with the ceasefire announced by the rebels, though no specific timeline has been outlined. The Malawian troops are part of a regional peacekeeping contingent that aims to stabilize the area.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by conflict, particularly in its eastern regions, where various armed groups vie for power and control over lucrative mineral resources. The M23, a group backed by Rwanda, has been one of the most potent factions within this setting, drawing international attention due to its military successes and the humanitarian crises resulting from ongoing hostilities. The situation in Goma is particularly dire, with significant displacement of civilians.

The capture of Goma by the M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan troops, raises critical concerns about peace and stability in the region. While the rebels’ leadership seeks to assure residents of safety and a return to normalcy, skepticism persists among the populace. Additionally, the international community’s reactions, including Malawi’s troop withdrawal, signal an ongoing complexity in addressing the humanitarian and security challenges faced by the Congo.

Original Source: apnews.com