Rebels of the M23 group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have besieged the eastern city of Goma, heightening an ongoing conflict that has persisted for years between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The capture of Saké marks a critical advance by the rebels, evoking memories of the last time they held Goma in 2012.
Rwanda-Backed M23 Rebels Advance Towards Goma: A Looming Crisis
Rwanda-Backed M23 Rebels Advance Towards Goma: A Looming Crisis
Tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo escalate as rebels capture key towns near Goma, threatening a major city.
On Thursday morning, the M23 rebel forces seized Saké, a pivotal military position for the Congolese army, according to reports from local humanitarian officials and witnesses. This move puts Goma—the provincial capital of North Kivu, home to over 2 million residents—under significant threat of capture, following the historic takeover by the same group over a decade ago.
The events unfold against a backdrop of accusations directed at Rwanda, which the United States and United Nations allege has been providing funding and strategic direction to the M23 rebels. These claims have been consistently denied by Rwanda. Goma's fall would represent a significant achievement for the M23, especially after its defeat by Congolese and UN forces in late 2013, which led to a lengthy period of relative dormancy for the group until its resurgence in late 2021.
Compounding the situation, ongoing peace negotiations facilitated by Angola, a neighboring country, have reached an impasse. The reliability of the United Nations peacekeeping force, which had its mandate renewed for just one year in December, also hangs uncertainly in the balance. Local communities remain anxious about their futures as the threat of conflict re-emerges in an already unstable region.
The events unfold against a backdrop of accusations directed at Rwanda, which the United States and United Nations allege has been providing funding and strategic direction to the M23 rebels. These claims have been consistently denied by Rwanda. Goma's fall would represent a significant achievement for the M23, especially after its defeat by Congolese and UN forces in late 2013, which led to a lengthy period of relative dormancy for the group until its resurgence in late 2021.
Compounding the situation, ongoing peace negotiations facilitated by Angola, a neighboring country, have reached an impasse. The reliability of the United Nations peacekeeping force, which had its mandate renewed for just one year in December, also hangs uncertainly in the balance. Local communities remain anxious about their futures as the threat of conflict re-emerges in an already unstable region.
