Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seize control of Goma, DR Congo's largest city, leading to mass panic and a declaration of war by the Congolese government. The UN reports a dire situation with the airport and roads blocked in the region's humanitarian and security hub. This development threatens to escalate one of Africa's longest-running wars and worsen an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Rwanda -backed M23 rebels seized control of Goma , the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), prompting a wave of panic and a declaration of war by the Congolese government. The rebels, who imposed a 48-hour ultimatum on the Congolese army to surrender their weapons, announced the capture in a statement, urging residents to remain calm.
UN officials reported a dire situation with the airport and roads blocked in Goma, the region's humanitarian and security hub, effectively trapping many. The M23 offensive threatens to escalate one of Africa's longest-running wars, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions. Shelling by Congolese troops killed five civilians and wounded 26 more in Rubavu, a Rwandan town bordering DR Congo. Rwanda's military spokesperson condemned the indiscriminate attacks targeting civilians. Meanwhile, the presidents of Rwanda and DR Congo agreed to meet on Wednesday to address the escalating conflict. The M23, a rebel group rooted in the 2009 agreement that aimed to integrate Tutsis into the Congolese army and administration, accuses the government of failing to uphold its end of the bargain. They claim to be defending Tutsis from Hutu militia groups who fled Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, a claim denied by Rwanda. Residents of Goma responded to the M23's arrival with a mixture of fear and cautious acceptance. Some stayed indoors, while others attempted to show outward signs of support, fearing potential retribution. M23 previously occupied Goma for 10 days in 2012, displacing thousands during the conflict
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