Joseph Isangura
Tensions are running high in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the government has accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels in their attempt to seize control of Goma, a key city in the eastern part of the country.
Speaking to the media, Congo’s government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya confirmed that the situation in Goma remains volatile, with Congolese forces working relentlessly to push back the rebel group and prevent further destruction. Muyaya urged residents to stay indoors for their safety and to avoid acts of vandalism or looting as the crisis unfolds.
Earlier today, M23 rebels reportedly moved into central Goma, escalating fears of a full takeover. In the chaos, thousands of prisoners are said to have escaped from a city jail, adding another layer of instability.
Meanwhile, Congolese military forces stationed on Mount Goma have been firing artillery across the border into Rwanda, accusing the neighboring country of supporting the rebels. Rwanda’s military spokesperson, Colonel Ronald Rwivanga, responded by claiming that the shelling killed five Rwandan civilians and left 25 others injured in Rubavu, a district near Gisenyi that borders the DRC.
The international community has been quick to react. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the escalating violence, describing the situation as deeply troubling for the Great Lakes region. “Goma is teetering on the edge,” Barrot said, expressing concerns over the growing threat to regional stability.
A statement from the French government went further, alleging that Rwandan soldiers are actively supporting M23 fighters. The ongoing clashes have already claimed the lives of six United Nations peacekeepers, and thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes, seeking safety in neighboring areas.
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Efforts to resolve the crisis are underway at both regional and international levels. On Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council held a meeting to address the worsening situation in Goma, while leaders of the East African Community (EAC) are expected to convene next Wednesday for high-level talks aimed at finding a resolution.
The renewed violence in Goma has revived fears of a broader regional conflict, with the potential to draw in other neighboring countries. The city, home to more than a million people, holds strategic importance and has long been a hotspot for clashes between the government and rebel groups.
Observers warn that the stakes are high, as any failure to address the situation could deepen instability across the region. For now, the people of Goma remain trapped in uncertainty, their hopes for peace dimmed by the ongoing fighting and political tensions.
