M23 Rebels Assure Safety in Captured Goma Amid Ongoing Conflict

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels assure Goma residents of safety after capturing the city. Leader Corneille Nangaa emphasizes security, despite ongoing conflict and claims of a ceasefire. Malawi plans to withdraw its peacekeepers in response to recent developments. The situation remains tense as humanitarian concerns grow.

In eastern Congo, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has captured Goma and organized a rally to reassure the city’s residents of their safety. Political leader Corneille Nangaa addressed the crowd, emphasizing security and stability under M23’s rule. He assured citizens that schools would reopen soon and displaced people could return home, calling Goma “liberated and sanitized.”

Despite a claimed ceasefire, the rebels continue to gain ground, recently seizing another town rich in minerals essential for global technology. The Congolese government has dismissed their ceasefire as deceitful, and reports of intense fighting persist in the region.

Concerns grow over the welfare of displaced individuals in Goma, which served as a crucial humanitarian hub prior to the capture. Emmanuel Kakule, a local resident, expressed lingering fears despite attending the M23 rally. Meanwhile, Malawi’s President has initiated withdrawal plans for his country’s peacekeepers stationed in eastern Congo.

Malawi’s peacekeeping force is integral to supporting the Congolese government, but recent casualties have prompted calls for withdrawal to facilitate peace negotiations. The timeline for troop departure remains unspecified, as regional dynamics continue to evolve amid ongoing conflict.

The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo is marked by the presence of various armed groups, notably the M23 rebels, who are reportedly backed by Rwanda’s military. Goma, a vital city for humanitarian efforts, has witnessed significant instability, with millions displaced due to violence. The international community is monitoring these developments closely, as escalation could have wider implications for regional security.

The M23 rebels’ capture of Goma highlights the complexities of the Congolese conflict and the role of regional powers like Rwanda. While the rebels attempt to present themselves as stabilizers, fears persist among local residents about their intentions. Ongoing peacekeeping efforts are now under review as nations respond to the shifting landscape of control in eastern Congo.

Original Source: apnews.com