M23 Rebels Claim Capture Of Goma, Congo's Largest City
Goma, the main city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was the scene of gunfire hours after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claimed to have taken control of it, despite the UN Security Council's request for an end to the advance.
According to reports, the DRC and Rwandan military engaged in gunfire on Monday near their shared border, raising the possibility of a swift escalation of the conflict as the M23 insurgents’ advance.
The DRC government's spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, confirmed the Rwandan army's presence in Goma in a statement that was put on X.
He urged citizens to stay at home and abstain from looting and destruction, saying, "The government continues to work to avoid carnage and loss of human life in view of the manifest intentions of Rwanda."
The DRC administration labeled Rwanda's takeover of Goma as a "declaration of war," which M23 announced earlier on Monday. According to the UN, the two million people who live in Goma are in "mass panic" about the capture.
Minutes before a 48-hour deadline for Congolese troops to turn in their weapons expired, the M23 made their claim. Additionally, its fighters called on the DRC military to gather at the central stadium and advised Goma citizens to maintain their composure.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto, who also serves as the chairperson of the East African Community (EAC), has called for an emergency meeting of EAC Heads of State on Wednesday to address the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
SOURCE: ALJAZEERA
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Tags: M23 Rebels William Ruto
