Fleeing Violence: Over 178,000 Displaced as M23 Rebels Advance on Goma

CD
Published:

The United Nations has raised alarms about the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the M23 rebel group is making significant advances towards Goma, the region's largest city. In a statement issued by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, it was reported that more than 178,000 people have been displaced as fighting intensifies between M23 and the Congolese armed forces.

Recent weeks have seen M23 capture key locations, including the towns of Minova and Sake, which are vital trade hubs near Goma. The rebel group's offensive has resulted in an increasing number of civilian casualties and injuries, with reports of heavy shelling and explosions prompting mass evacuations. Survivors recount harrowing experiences, with some fleeing by boat across Lake Kivu, packed with belongings and family members seeking safety.

Decades of conflict in the DRC have led to one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, with over 6 million deaths and more than 7 million people internally displaced. Accusations against neighboring Rwanda for providing support to M23 have surfaced, although Rwanda has contested these claims. The UN has noted that M23 consists of approximately 8,000 fighters and controls crucial mineral resources, further complicating an already volatile situation.

Guterres has urged all parties in the conflict to respect DRC's sovereignty and cease support for armed groups, aiming to prevent a further escalation in violence that could destabilize the region.

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from Congo, Democratic Republic

Heavy Fighting Claims Over 100 Lives in Goma, DRC Amidst M23 Rebel Advance

Intense clashes between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) army and the M23 rebels have resulted in at least 100 fatalities and 1,000 injuries in the city of Goma over the past three days. The fighting erupted after M23 fighters, allegedly backed by Rwanda, entered the city on Sunday, creating a dire humanitarian crisis, as noted by Jens Laerke from the UN humanitarian office. Local hospitals are overwhelmed with victims suffering from gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, more than 100 patients with severe injuries were admitted within 24 hours, primarily children. The conflict has displaced over 500,000 people since January, according to DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. Protests have erupted in Kinshasa, the capital, against perceived foreign complicity in the violence, leading to the attacks on several embassies. The U.S. has advised its citizens in Goma to shelter in place and to leave the country as soon as possible. The M23 militia is one of over 100 armed factions vying for control of the mineral-rich eastern DRC, a region critical for the production of tantalum and cobalt.
CD

DRC President Calls for Military Recruits Amid Rebel Advancements

In response to the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), President Félix Tshisekedi has urged young people to enlist in the military as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels continue their advance. According to local sources reported by Agence France-Presse, the M23 group recently captured two districts in South Kivu province, moving closer to the provincial capital Bukavu without encountering significant resistance. During a late-night address, Tshisekedi committed to a "vigorous and coordinated response" to the rebels, criticizing the international community for its perceived inaction amid worsening security conditions that could destabilize the broader Great Lakes region. Following the capture of Goma, a key city in North Kivu, Tshisekedi emphasized the need for citizens to join the military, stressing that they are "the spearhead of our country." The conflict has drawn international condemnation, with the United States expressing concern over the violence and the UK threatening to withhold aid to Rwanda. Despite these pressures, Rwandan officials assert that the M23's military efforts are necessary to combat DRC-based armed groups.
CD

DR Congo's President Promises Strong Action Against M23 Rebels as Fighting Escalates

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed to launch a "vigorous and coordinated" military response against the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have captured significant territory in the eastern city of Goma and are reportedly advancing southward. In a televised address, he criticized the international community for its inaction amid the escalating security crisis, which has displaced approximately 500,000 people, according to the United Nations. Tshisekedi urged all Congolese citizens to unite in support of the armed forces, asserting, "The Democratic Republic of Congo will not let itself be humiliated or crushed." As the conflict intensifies, the city of Goma faces severe shortages of water, electricity, and food supplies. Regional leaders, including Rwanda's Paul Kagame and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, recently exchanged sharp words over the conflict, exacerbating tensions. Meanwhile, Angola has called for an urgent meeting between Congolese and Rwandan leaders in Luanda to facilitate peace talks that have previously failed to ease hostilities. The humanitarian situation continues to worsen as fighting continues between armed groups, with the international community pressed to intervene.
CD
All Congo, Democratic Republic News ->