The United Nations reports nearly 3,000 deaths in Goma, DRC, after rebels seized control of the city. Heavy fighting has persisted despite a ceasefire declaration by the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), including M23 armed group. The DRC experiences ongoing violence from ethnic tensions and struggle for resources, with accusations of Rwandan support for the rebels. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as civilians flee to safer areas.
The United Nations reports that nearly 3,000 individuals have lost their lives in Goma, located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the takeover of the city by rebel forces. Vivian van de Perre, the deputy chief of the UN mission in DRC, disclosed that approximately 2,000 corpses have been retrieved from the streets, with 900 more in local hospitals.
The rebel coalition, known as Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes the M23 armed group, implemented a ceasefire to address the humanitarian crisis sparked by the DRC government. Despite this declaration, fighting continued in South Kivu province.
DRC has faced longstanding violence stemming from ethnic strife and competition for land and mineral resources, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis. Accusations from the United States and UN experts suggest that neighboring Rwanda supports the M23 group, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, who splintered from the Congolese army.
While Rwanda’s government refutes these claims, President Paul Kagame indicated that Rwandan military forces may be present in Congo to protect national interests. Since 2022, M23 has escalated its rebellion against the DRC government, seizing significant territories in North Kivu province, which borders Rwanda and Uganda.
The volatile situation persists, with reports of ongoing clashes between rebels and Congolese troops along critical roads leading to Bukavu. Authorities express serious concerns about the situation’s implications for human safety and the humanitarian situation.
The AFC claims it does not intend to capture Bukavu, where many displaced people have sought refuge. Nonetheless, they have indicated ambitions to establish a new government in Goma and advance towards Kinshasa, the national capital, which is located approximately 930 miles away.
Van de Perre emphasized that the UN remains apprehensive about the humanitarian fallout, with countless civilians sheltering in UN peacekeeping facilities. The Congolese government has acknowledged the rebels’ presence and appointed a new military governor in response to the situation.
This article focuses on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in Goma, where rebel forces, specifically the M23 group, have gained significant control and caused extensive casualties. The region has been plagued by violence for decades fueled by ethnic conflicts and competition for valuable mineral resources, making the situation dire for local populations. The intervention of international organizations and potential foreign support adds complexity to the conflict.
The situation in Goma, DRC, remains critical as nearly 3,000 people have died from violence instigated by rebel forces. Despite the announcement of a ceasefire, escalating tensions and ongoing conflicts continue to pose significant risks, leading to peaks in humanitarian crises in the region. The UN and global observers are closely monitoring the developments and responding to the urgent needs of affected populations.
Original Source: www.wral.com
