Conflict Escalates Between Rebels, Troops in Congo

M23 rebels have moved into Goma, sparking fears of regional conflict as Congo severs diplomatic ties with Rwanda.

Key Takeaways

M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have moved into the key city of Goma in eastern Congo, sparking significant conflict.
Congo has cut diplomatic ties with Rwanda, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebels.
At least 13 UN peacekeepers and allied soldiers have been killed in the conflict.
Thousands of civilians have been displaced, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The UN Security Council has called for an immediate end to the offensive and withdrawal of M23 forces.

M23 Rebels Advance on Goma

M23 rebels have reportedly moved in to the strategic city of Goma in eastern Congo, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. According to the BBC, rebels have stated that they took control of the city, although authorities from Congo have disputed this statement. The situation in Goma has raised alarms about the potential for wider regional instability.

The M23 rebels’ advance has led to the evacuation of Goma’s international airport and the suspension of commercial flights. This development has not only disrupted civilian life but also hampered humanitarian efforts in the region. The United Nations estimates that thousands of civilians have been displaced, adding to the already dire humanitarian situation in eastern Congo.

Congo Accused Rwanda of Supporting Rebels

Over the weekend, the Congolese government revealed it was taking the drastic step of severing diplomatic ties with Rwanda. Congo, backed by the United States and UN experts, accused Rwanda of providing military support to the M23 rebels. The situation has heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries and threatens to destabilize the entire Great Lakes region. A DRC government spokesperson reportedly stated that Rwandan Army troops were present in Goma.

“This is a frontal assault, a declaration of war that no longer hides behind diplomatic artifice,” DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner said on Sunday at an emergency meeting. The presidents of DR Congo and Rwanda are reportedly scheduled to meet at an emergency summit on Wednesday, January 29.

Casualties Suffered

The conflict has taken a heavy toll on UN peacekeepers and allied forces. At least 13 UN peacekeepers and soldiers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have been killed in recent clashes. The casualties include troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay, highlighting the international nature of the peacekeeping effort in Congo.

Meanwhile, people in Goma have reported sheltering in place due to the fighting nearby. AFP reported on Monday that at least 17 people had been killed and hundreds more injured.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in eastern Congo. Thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring areas and countries. The displacement of these populations puts additional strain on limited resources and increases the risk of disease outbreaks and food insecurity.

International aid organizations are struggling to provide assistance amidst the chaos of the conflict. The closure of Goma’s airport has further complicated relief efforts, making it difficult to deliver essential supplies to those in need. As the situation continues to deteriorate, there are growing calls for increased international intervention to address both the security and humanitarian crises in the region.