The terror of rebels is once again at its peak in the Congo, a country rich in the mineral wealth of Africa. In the early hours of Monday, the Rwanda -backed M23 rebellious faction attacked the Goma city located in the eastern part of the Congo. The rebels captured the city while firing heavy. During this period 17 people died and more than 360 were injured. The rebels have warned 2 million people of the city in panic and warned them to remain calm and surrender the Soldiers of Congo.
Declaration of war: Reversal of Congo government
The Congo government has directly termed this action of the rebels as “announcement of war”. The government says that the attack took place under a well-planned conspiracy. More than 100 armed groups are already active in the Congo, but the M32 faction is the most dangerous and impressive. The intentions of this group are to capture the administration and mineral wealth of the city.
Government officials have said that the condition of goma may be out of control. The local administration has directed people to stay indoors and follow the security protocol.
Background of rebel faction M33
The M23 rebellious faction began in 2012. It was made by ethnic Tutsi people separating from the Congo army. He claims that the group is fighting against ethnic discrimination and injustice. But experts believe that the main objective of M23 is to capture the resources and areas of the Congo.
This faction has implemented parallel government and tax system in its control areas in the Congo. Local people in their occupied areas are forced to work under their rules.
Rwanda support: center of dispute
Congo and the United States have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebellious faction. Congo claims that Rwanda is not only providing weapons and resources for M33, but his soldiers are also involved in the fight with this group.
According to the United Nations report, Rwanda deployed her military and missile systems in the Congo in 2021. However, Rwanda described it as a step taken for her safety. Experts believe that this intervention of Rwanda has played a big role in increasing the strength of M23. In 2021, where this group had only a few hundreds of fighters, now it has more than 6,500 active soldiers.
Panic atmosphere in Goma
Goma city, which is the largest city in North Kivu province, already remains the center of displacement and struggle. More than one third of the population of this area has already been displaced. There is an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the city after the M23 attack. The voices of constant firing and blasts are heard.
The local administration said that schools, markets and government offices have been closed. People are forced to hide in their homes. Electricity and water supply has been disrupted in many areas.
Competition of control of mineral wealth
Congo is one of the most mineral wealth in the world. Little minerals like gold, cobalt and tantalum are found here. This is the reason why hundreds of rebel groups are active in the eastern part of the country. These groups are constantly struggling to occupy these mineral resources.
The M23 rebellious groups are also active aimed at controlling mineral wealth. The Congo government says that if the city of Goma is completely under their control, then this rebellious group can cause great damage to the Congo economy.
United Nations and Global Response
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over this crisis. The UN has said that if the situation does not come under control soon, it can create widespread crisis throughout the region. UN experts have speculated that around 4,000 Rwanda soldiers may be deployed in Eastern Congo.
At the international level, reactions have come to light about this struggle. The US and the European Union have demanded immediate intervention in the matter.
Crisis can increase further days to come
Experts say that the growing strength of M3 in Congo and the suspicious role of Rwanda can lead the region to a long civil war. There is no sign of any kind of dialogue between the Congo government and the rebels.
The situation in Goma city is continuously deteriorating, and if no concrete steps are taken at the international level soon, this crisis may deepen.
