• World
  • Jan 30
  • Kevin Savio Antony

Escalating conflict in Congo’s Goma

• The UN Security Council convened emergency meetings to address the escalating crisis in Goma – the regional capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

• Officials highlighted the dire humanitarian situation and the need for urgent and coordinated international action to stop the fighting between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces, as they battle for control of the city.

• M23 rebels captured Goma, a city of two million people early this week.

• The eight countries of the East African Community held an emergency summit and called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Congo and for Congo to negotiate with M23.

• Congo and Rwanda are both members of the East Africa bloc along with Kenya, Tanzania and other countries.

• Armed groups have long vied for control of eastern Congo, which is rich in minerals critical to much of the world’s technology, and has been the scene of proxy battles between Congo and neighboring Rwanda, as well as other powers.

• Before M23 fighters closed in on Goma, more than seven lakh internally displaced people lived around the provincial capital. But hundreds of thousands fled in anticipation of clashes between the Rwanda-backed rebels and DRC troops, prompting renewed alarm about the further spread of deadly disease.

• The mass influx of IDPs, separation of families, and escape of prisoners from Goma prison have increased the vulnerability of women and children to sexual and gender-based violence.

• The M23 and Rwandan forces’ capture of Goma’s international airport and their advance from multiple directions have heightened the risk of weapons proliferation, as combatants blend into the civilian population.

• Repeated mass displacement in DRC has created ideal conditions for the spread of many endemic diseases in camps and surrounding communities.

• Beyond the health risks, there has been a surge in the number of children separated from their parents, making them vulnerable to kidnapping, recruitment by armed groups, and sexual violence.

Root cause of the conflict

• Armed groups have long vied for control of eastern Congo, which is rich in minerals critical to much of the world’s technology, and has been the scene of proxy battles between Congo and neighboring Rwanda, as well as other powers.

• The chaotic situation has its roots in ethnic conflict. M23 says it is defending ethnic Tutsis in Congo. Rwanda has claimed the Tutsis are being persecuted by Hutus and former militias responsible for the 1994 genocide of 800,000 Tutsis and others in Rwanda. Many Hutus fled into Congo after the genocide.

• Analysts say the real fight is for control over the Congo’s vast mineral deposits, estimated to be worth $24 trillion, and critical to much of the world’s technology.

• While Rwandan leaders, mostly Tutsis, have denied backing the rebels, UN officials say some 4,000 Rwandan troops are in the Congo.

Key facts about Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC):

Location

• Situated in Central Africa, the second-largest country in Africa by land area.

• Shares borders with nine countries: Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Angola.

Capital

• Kinshasa – the largest city and the economic & administrative center of the country.

Geographical Features

• Congo River: The second-longest river in Africa, vital for transport, agriculture, and hydroelectric power.

• Mountains: Albertine Rift Mountains in the east, including the Virunga Mountains and Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano.

• Lakes: Home to large lakes like Lake Kivu, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Edward.

Historical Context

• Independence from Belgium: Gained independence in 1960 but faced persistent political instability.

• First Congo War (1996-1997): Led to the overthrow of Mobutu Sese Seko.

• Second Congo War (1998-2003): One of the deadliest conflicts, involving multiple African nations and leading to millions of deaths.

• Mineral Wealth: Rich in cobalt, copper, coltan, and other minerals, leading to both economic potential and conflict over resource exploitation.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)

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