M23 Rebel Forces Seize Control of Goma Amid Escalating Conflict in Eastern Congo**

The M23 militia's recent assault on Goma leads to mass displacement and fears for the safety of residents as the group aims to consolidate power and exploit valuable resources.**

A rebel group reportedly backed by Rwanda has declared the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo under its control, marking a crucial victory and a troubling escalation in the regional conflict. The M23 militia, which had previously occupied Goma in 2012 before being driven out, has resurfaced with a seemingly strengthened position as it seeks to establish long-term dominance over an area rich in rare minerals.

The announcement of the city’s "liberation" has caused panic among its residents, many of whom are already fleeing from ongoing violence in the region. The current humanitarian situation has worsened, with those displaced feeling unsafe even in what they believed was a temporary refuge. A spokesperson for the M23 shared on social media that Congolese military forces were instructed to surrender their arms and gather at a designated stadium by early morning. However, reports of skirmishes persisted in Goma, questioning the extent of the militia's control.

The conflict in eastern Congo, often referred to as Africa's World War, has persisted since the 1990s and has involved numerous armed factions, with M23 currently perceived as the dominant force. International observers and local communities are apprehensive about the implications of this power shift, fearing for future stability in a region plagued by violence and instability. As the situation continues to develop, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this escalating crisis.