The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has rapidly deteriorated in recent days, with an alarming surge in violence drawing global concern.
M23 Rebels Advance and Ongoing Conflict
The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified its offensive, capturing the key city of Goma, a major urban center in eastern Congo.
Goma’s airport is now under rebel control, marking the most severe escalation since 2012 in a decades-long conflict fueled by the Rwandan genocide’s aftermath and competition over Congo’s mineral wealth.
The clashes have led to over 100 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries, overwhelming hospitals and leaving streets littered with casualties.
Reports indicate widespread violence against civilians, including looting, sexual violence, and attacks on healthcare facilities.
Embassy Attacks in Kinshasa
In response to the worsening crisis and perceived international inaction, protesters stormed multiple embassies in Kinshasa, the Congolese capital.
The embassies of Rwanda, France, Belgium, Kenya, and Uganda were targeted, with demonstrators throwing stones, setting fires, and ransacking buildings.
The U.S. embassy compound was surrounded, with part of it briefly occupied before security forces intervened.
A United Nations facility was also attacked.
The Italian embassy in Kinshasa was not affected by the violence.
Humanitarian Emergency and Displacement
The humanitarian situation is dire, with 6.5 million displaced people across the country, including nearly 3 million in North Kivu alone.
Goma is now effectively under siege, with major roads blocked, the airport shut down, and power and water supplies disrupted.
Aid agencies are unable to reach displaced populations, worsening food and medical shortages.
Thousands of civilians are desperately fleeing the violence.
International Reactions
The U.S., U.K., and France have condemned Rwanda for allegedly supporting the M23 rebels, though Rwanda denies involvement.
The Congolese government has declared the attack on Goma a “declaration of war.”
The UN Security Council has demanded an M23 withdrawal, but the call has been ignored.
The European Union has condemned the offensive and pledged additional humanitarian aid.
The U.S. has advised its citizens to leave the DRC immediately.
Additional Risks
Fighting in Goma poses a serious biosecurity risk, with concerns over an Ebola research lab in the city. Experts fear that if samples are compromised, the virus could spread uncontrollably.
The conflict risks spilling into neighboring countries, threatening broader regional instability.
What Comes Next?
An emergency meeting between the presidents of Congo and Rwanda, mediated by Kenya, is planned to discuss a possible ceasefire.
The Congolese government faces mounting pressure to respond more forcefully to the rebellion.
The international community is weighing diplomatic and economic measures against Rwanda to curb its alleged support for the M23.
We will continue to monitor and report on this rapidly developing crisis.
Sources:
South China Morning Post, ABC News, Il Post, Open, New York Times, Affari Italiani, ANSA, Il Foglio.
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