M23 Rebels Claim Capture of Goma as DRC Accuses Rwanda of ‘Declaration of War’
Fighting in Eastern DR Congo Escalates Amid UN Calls for De-escalation
Tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reached a critical point as the M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, claims to have seized control of Goma, the largest city in the country’s conflict-ridden east.
Gunfire echoed across parts of the strategic city, home to two million people, hours after the rebels announced their takeover. The DRC government has labeled the move a “declaration of war” by Rwanda, further straining relations between the neighboring nations. The escalation has sparked fears of a broader regional conflict, despite urgent calls from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to halt hostilities.
Rwandan Military Presence Confirmed in Goma, Says DRC
The Congolese government confirmed that Rwandan military forces are operating within Goma, further fueling tensions. In a statement, a government spokesperson said, “The government continues to work to avoid carnage and loss of human life in view of the manifest intentions of Rwanda.”
The situation remains dire as DRC and Rwandan troops reportedly exchanged fire along their shared border on Monday, marking a significant escalation. Witnesses in Goma have reported seeing heavily armed rebels patrolling the city, with videos circulating online showing M23 fighters in control of key streets.
M23 Fighters Issue Ultimatum to Congolese Military
M23’s announcement of victory came just minutes before the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum they had issued to Congolese troops, demanding they surrender their weapons. The rebels urged both Goma residents and members of the Congolese military (FARDC) to remain calm, instructing government soldiers to assemble at the central stadium for a formal surrender.
Images released by the Uruguayan Army, which is part of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), show Congolese soldiers handing over their weapons to UN peacekeepers in Goma, further confirming the severity of the crisis.
Thousands Flee as M23 Advances, Raising Fears of Regional War
The renewed M23 offensive has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes, adding to the millions already displaced in DRC’s mineral-rich east due to ongoing conflicts. The region has been plagued by ethnic rivalries, armed militia clashes, and power struggles for over three decades, leading to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
The UN has warned of “mass panic” among Goma’s residents as fighting intensifies. The Congolese government has formally severed ties with Rwanda, calling for international sanctions against its neighbor.
UN Security Council and International Leaders Call for De-escalation
At an emergency UNSC meeting on Sunday, DRC’s Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, accused Rwanda of “an open and deliberate violation” of Congolese sovereignty, demanding an immediate withdrawal of its troops.
“This is a frontal assault, a declaration of war that no longer hides behind diplomatic artifice,” she said.
The UN has urged the withdrawal of external forces but has not explicitly named Rwanda in its official statements. However, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has directly called on Rwanda to pull its armed forces out of DRC—a demand that Kigali has rejected.
Meanwhile, Rwandan authorities continue to deny responsibility, blaming Kinshasa for provoking the conflict. Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, saying:
> “The fighting close to the Rwandan border continues to present a serious threat to Rwanda’s security and territorial integrity and necessitates Rwanda’s sustained defensive posture.”
Mediation Efforts Underway as Regional Tensions Soar
As international pressure mounts, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have agreed to attend a crisis meeting on Wednesday, hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto. The diplomatic talks aim to prevent a full-scale war between the two nations.
However, with reports that Rwanda has deployed between 3,000 and 4,000 troops, providing advanced weaponry, missiles, and sniper support to M23 fighters, concerns remain over whether diplomacy can halt the worsening conflict.
The ongoing clashes have also resulted in the deaths of several foreign UN peacekeepers, further highlighting the growing dangers for international forces operating in the region.
What’s Next for Goma and Eastern DRC?
With the Congolese military retreating, and M23 rebels now in control of Goma, the future of eastern DRC remains uncertain. The battle for the region has long been driven by ethnic tensions, geopolitical rivalries, and competition over valuable natural resources, including gold, diamonds, and coltan—a key mineral used in electronics.
As international efforts for peace intensify, the people of Goma face an uncertain fate, trapped between warring forces, regional politics, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Source : Swifteradio.com
