Rwanda-backed rebels have seized control of large parts of eastern Congo's largest city, including its airport, according to the United Nations. The city of Goma, which has been embroiled in a decades-long conflict, experienced relative calm early Wednesday morning after a tumultuous day marked by fleeing residents seeking refuge along roadsides amidst missile attacks and a surge of casualties flooding overwhelmed hospitals.
While government forces still maintain control in certain areas of Goma, reports from residents indicate that the M23 rebel group has established dominance over much of the city. The M23 rebels, one of numerous armed factions competing for influence in the mineral-rich eastern Congo, declared their capture of Goma on Monday following a sustained offensive. The rebel incursion into Goma resulted in a grim scene of fatalities strewn across the streets and triggered a mass exodus of hundreds of thousands of already displaced individuals.
After engaging in clashes with government troops, the rebels successfully took over the city's airport, as confirmed by a U.N. spokesperson during a briefing on Tuesday. Concerns have been raised about the potential breakdown of law and order in Goma due to the proliferation of weapons in the hands of various armed groups.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently engaged in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing the urgent necessity for a ceasefire and a comprehensive resolution of the underlying causes of the protracted conflict. Despite Rwanda's denial of backing the M23 rebels, U.N. experts estimate a significant presence of Rwandan forces, up to 4,000 troops, operating within Congo. Rwanda has accused Congo of collaborating with Hutu rebels and former militiamen linked to the 1994 genocide.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has underscored the importance of Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi initiating dialogue with the M23 rebels to facilitate an end to the conflict. The M23 rebels, predominantly composed of ethnic Tutsis, have expressed intentions to establish a governing structure in Goma to enable residents to resume normal life and facilitate the return of displaced individuals to their homes.
Experts have cautioned that securing a rebel withdrawal this time around may prove more challenging than in 2012 when M23 initially captured Goma but subsequently retreated after a brief occupation. Murithi Mutiga, the program director for Africa at the Crisis Group, highlighted the increased assertiveness of the M23 rebels, emboldened by Rwanda's perceived grievances over Congo's alleged disregard for its regional interests and failure to honor previous peace agreements.
