M23 Rebels Assure Goma Residents of Safety Amid Ongoing Conflict

M23 rebels captured Goma, assuring residents of safety while promising a return to normalcy. Despite declaring a ceasefire, they continued military actions in the region, alarming local citizens and authorities. The ongoing conflict has disrupted health services and raised humanitarian concerns, prompting international calls for mediation and peace in eastern Congo.

The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, having captured the city of Goma in eastern Congo, assured residents of their safety during a stadium rally. M23 political leader Corneille Nangaa claimed Goma had been “liberated and sanitized,” urging citizens to feel secure and look forward to children returning to school. Despite announcing a unilateral ceasefire, rebels have continued their offensive in other regions, alarming local government and citizens.

During the rally, Nangaa emphasized that new administrative leaders have been appointed to restore order. Many residents, like Emmanuel Kakule, expressed lingering fears about the rebels’ control and questioned the promises of safety and stability, indicating a lack of trust in the situation.

While M23 attempts to consolidate power, advancing into South Kivu province, the Congolese government dismissed ceasefire announcements, citing ongoing rebel activity. This situation caused panic, with locals fleeing toward safer areas, highlighting the instability in the region and disrupted public services, including transportation.

Tragically, three aid workers were killed by an armed group near Goma, raising concerns about humanitarian operations. International bodies are also anxious as the rebellion has hampered critical health services, disrupting efforts to manage infectious diseases like Ebola from a key medical lab in Goma.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an end to the violence and emphasized the need for mediation to restore peace. He plans to attend an African Union meeting to address the ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, Malawi began preparations to withdraw its peacekeeping forces in light of the ceasefire, while South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to the region’s stability.

The article discusses the recent seizure of Goma, a critical city in eastern Congo, by M23 rebels backed by Rwanda. This conflict has exacerbated humanitarian challenges and revives fears of instability in a region already affected by violence and armed groups. Goma is pivotal due to its role in addressing the needs of millions of displaced individuals in the area, and the recent escalation raises urgent concerns over public safety and health services.

The situation in Goma remains precarious as M23 rebels assert control while facing international scrutiny. Despite promises of safety and security, the residents’ fears persist, compounded by ongoing military actions. The humanitarian crisis deepens, prompting urgent calls for a diplomatic solution and the restoration of essential services. Stability in the region hinges on a genuine commitment to ceasefire negotiations and the safeguarding of public welfare.

Original Source: www.hjnews.com