M23 Rebels Claim Control of Goma, DR Congo; Government Denies
Fighting Intensifies in Eastern Congo as M23 Rebels Advance
- The M23 rebel group has claimed control of the eastern Congolese city of Goma
- Tens of thousands of people have fled the city and surrounding areas in recent days
- The humanitarian situation is further complicated by the closure of key roads
The M23 rebel group has claimed control of the eastern Congolese city of Goma, though the Congolese government has denied this claim.
Following intense fighting between the M23 and the Congolese army, residents reported seeing M23 rebels patrolling the streets of Goma.
Tens of thousands of people have fled the city and surrounding areas in recent days.
The situation remains fluid, with reports of ongoing gunfire and confusion within the city.
The rapid advance of the M23 has raised serious concerns, with the DR Congo government accusing neighboring Rwanda of direct military intervention in support of the rebels. Rwanda denies these accusations but admits to supporting the M23.
The conflict has had a devastating humanitarian impact, with over 400,000 people displaced since the beginning of the year.
“People are fleeing everywhere, and we don’t know where to go any more,” said Alice Feza, a displaced resident.
The humanitarian situation is further complicated by the closure of key roads and the unavailability of the airport for evacuation and humanitarian aid.
The international community is urging an immediate ceasefire and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
