In a dramatic turn of events, the eastern city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) descended into chaos as M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwandan troops, claimed control of the strategic metropolis. The volatile situation escalated Monday morning with a mass jailbreak at Goma’s central prison, further deepening the crisis.
According to a security source cited by Arab News, the prison, which housed approximately 3,000 inmates, was engulfed in flames, resulting in an unspecified number of casualties. Eyewitnesses, including an AFP journalist, reported seeing prisoners fleeing into the city’s streets, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already precarious situation.
Local media describe Goma, a city home to over a million residents, as eerily quiet following hours of intense gunfire and explosions on Sunday. Videos circulating on social media show M23 rebels patrolling the city’s main streets after advancing rapidly against the Congolese army, forcing tens of thousands of residents from neighboring towns to flee for safety.
Despite claims by the rebels of their control over the city, the DRC government has denied the reports, insisting that its forces remain in control. The full scale of damage and the number of casualties are yet to be determined, but the situation remains dire, with humanitarian organizations warning of a potential crisis in the days ahead.
The takeover comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. Kinshasa has accused Kigali of declaring war by deploying troops to support the M23 rebels, a charge Rwanda has not outright denied. Instead, Rwanda has countered by accusing Congolese authorities of harboring militias intent on destabilizing its government in Kigali.
The M23 group, which gained infamy for its rebellion a decade ago, has reemerged as a potent force, further destabilizing the already volatile eastern region of the DRC. Experts warn that this renewed conflict risks drawing in neighboring countries and exacerbating an already fragile security situation in the Great Lakes region.
As international organizations and regional powers scramble to address the unfolding crisis, Goma’s residents are left grappling with fear and uncertainty. “The city feels like a ghost town,” said a local journalist, describing the empty streets and the palpable tension in the air.
The latest developments in Goma underscore the urgent need for international intervention to prevent further bloodshed and address the growing humanitarian disaster. With both sides entrenched in their positions and regional rivalries fueling the conflict, the road to peace in eastern Congo remains perilously elusive.
The world watches as Goma teeters on the brink, a stark reminder of the fragile state of peace in the region and the devastating toll of unchecked conflict.
PIONEER NEWS 