The Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group has officially announced the capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.
The group reassured the residents of Goma in a statement on Monday, January 27, urging them to stay calm as the declaration was being made.
“The liberation of the city has been successfully carried out, and the situation is under control.” They stated.
This statement follows weeks of intense fighting between M23 forces, and the Congolese military, raising tension in the broader Great lake regions.
So far 13 soldiers, including 9 South Africans, 3 Malawians, and 1 Uruguayan, died in the conflict between the Congolese national army and the M23 in the DRC.
History has it that the M23 rebels is a group largely composed of Tutsi with ties to Rwandan military. Initially the group fought for integration of its members into Congolese army, political representation and protection, but none of their demands was captured by the government.
They were defeated in 2013, but later resurfaced in 2021 and have been actively engaging in conflicts and causing discord for almost a decade.
M23 has remained undefeated since then, and after capturing Goma, the civilians are speculating that their next target might be the entire Kivu province in Kinshasa, after the government failed to implement all the agreements reached in the past 15 years.
Some netizens urged the Congolese government to engage in a dialogue with M23 members, in order to restore peace.
“Dialogue is the key to restoring equality and ending the ongoing conflict in the region.” Sam Ndagije said.
The senate foreign relations department through the X platform, beseeched the M23 to stop their advance on Goma, they also urged all parties to cease hostilities, restore unhindered humanitarian access, and honor their commitments under the Luanda process.
It further pointed out that the conflict in Eastern Congo has displaced millions, caused widespread atrocities particularly against women and children. The Joe Biden’s administration was also called out for failing to hold the conflicting parties accountable for past violations.
However, some citizens of Congo supported the M23 and said that the conflict has been escalating due to many injustices faced by M23 which incited them to resolve to violence.
“M23 has suffered for long fighting for their natural right as citizens of Congo. This time, M23 must not pull back. They must go on and take Kinshasha.” Frida Gisa commented
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