In a major escalation of a long-standing conflict, Congo's security forces are engaged in fierce fighting against Rwanda-backed rebels who have advanced into the key eastern city of Goma. The city of 2 million people has been rocked by gunfire and explosions, with the rebels claiming to have captured Goma on Monday.
Goma serves as a vital regional trade and humanitarian hub, hosting hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. This conflict, fueled by ethnic tensions, has led to one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.
The M23 rebels, one of numerous armed groups in the mineral-rich region, made a shocking advance into Goma after receiving increased support from Rwanda, according to Congo's government and United Nations experts. Rwanda has denied these allegations.
The situation in Goma remains uncertain, with residents reporting bomb explosions and gunfire throughout the city. The rebels' incursion has led to a deadly toll, with three South African peacekeepers killed by mortar fire and a total of 17 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers losing their lives in the conflict.
The United Nations has described the humanitarian situation in Goma as extremely dire, with hundreds of thousands of people attempting to flee the violence. Active combat zones have emerged across the city, with civilians seeking shelter from heavy artillery fire.
Aid groups are struggling to reach displaced populations in need of essential supplies, as key roads are blocked, the airport is inaccessible, and basic services like power and water have been disrupted. The international community, including the U.S., U.K., and France, has condemned Rwanda for its role in the rebel advance.
Efforts are underway to restart peace talks between Congo and Rwanda, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing the importance of de-escalation. Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi is facing mounting pressure to address the crisis, as protests erupt in the capital Kinshasa.
Opposition leader Martin Fayulu has criticized Tshisekedi for what he perceives as a lackluster response to the conflict, calling for international support and warning of the nation's decline if action is not taken promptly.
