Congo’s Forces Clash with Rwanda-Backed Rebels in Goma Amid Humanitarian Crisis

Congo’s military is clashing with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advancing on Goma, intensifying a long-standing conflict. The situation has led to reports of gunfire, casualties among peacekeepers, and a deepening humanitarian crisis, affecting hundreds of thousands. Goma’s residents face danger amid ongoing violence, and the international community is urged to support peace talks and aid efforts.

Congo’s security forces are engaged in combat with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have advanced towards Goma, a critical eastern city. Reports indicate gunfire and explosions, particularly near the now-closed Goma airport. Residents echoed concerns about the fighting’s intensity as the city experiences disruptions from armed conflict, which has escalated recently, raising fears for civilians in the densely populated area.

Goma, home to over 2 million residents, has been a focal point in eastern Congo’s prolonged conflict, where over 6 million people remain displaced. As hostilities rise, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with many fleeing violence and struggling to access essential services. Since the resurgence of the M23 rebels, attacks on peacekeepers and hospitals have been reported, highlighting the dire situation.

Among the casualties, three South African peacekeepers died during rebel mortar assaults targeting Goma airport. The UN warns of unprecedented violence in Goma, with multiple neighborhoods becoming combat zones. Aid organizations declare difficulty in reaching displaced people due to roadblocks and utility outages, exacerbating the humanitarian emergency in the city.

The situation in Congo, particularly around the eastern region, is rooted in complex ethnic conflicts that have persisted for decades. Various armed groups, including the M23 rebels, vie for control over resource-rich territories, often receiving foreign backing that complicates peace efforts. The urban area of Goma has faced turmoil in the past, notably when M23 briefly seized control in 2012, only to be removed in response to international pressure. Recent escalations have reignited concerns about regional stability and humanitarian ramifications.

The ongoing conflict in Congo, driven by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, has sparked grave concerns for civilian safety and humanitarian aid access. As fighting intensifies in Goma, concerns grow over the rapidly deteriorating situation, particularly with reports of violence against peacekeepers and hospitals. Calls for international support and negotiations are mounting, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution to the protracted crisis that affects millions.

Original Source: apnews.com