Concerns Over Renewed Conflict at Rwanda-Congo Border; Rebels Capture Another City

Three decades after the genocide in Rwanda, rebels supported by this country continue their advance in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, and in a recent development, they have managed to capture the city of Goma. The M-23 group, the rebels supported by Rwanda, announced on Monday, January 28, that they have taken control of Goma in eastern Congo, which has a population of over two million. This city, located near the border with Rwanda, was also captured by this rebel group in 2012, but at that time, international pressure led President Paul Kagame to order a retreat; Kagame has been the President of Rwanda for 25 years. The M-23 rebels claim to control several government buildings, including the radio and television center in Goma; some local media employees confirmed the rebels' claims in conversations with Reuters. Additionally, a senior UN official in Congo stated on Monday evening that armed conflict continues in most neighborhoods of Goma. Images of chaos and looting in neighborhoods around Goma airport have also been shared on social media. In recent years, armed conflicts between Rwandan-affiliated rebels and the Congolese army have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, leading to the displacement of over a million people, most of whom resided in Goma. Goma and its surrounding areas contain mines such as tantalum and tin, minerals used in electronic devices like mobile phones. Meanwhile, border clashes between the militaries of the two countries have also occurred, with the Rwandan army stating that Congolese soldiers targeted cities and border villages with artillery, resulting in five deaths and 26 injuries. The history of armed conflicts in the border regions of Rwanda and Congo dates back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, during which Hutus massacred about one million people, most of whom were Tutsis. Evidence suggests that the current advance of the rebels will not be halted soon, resulting in a worsening humanitarian crisis in the region. The UN has warned for months about the humanitarian consequences of the M-23 rebels' advance towards Goma. Cornel Nanga, the leader of the Eastern Congo rebel coalition, previously stated that their goal is not just Goma but the main target is Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.