Goma Gripped by Fear as M23 Rebels Make Inroads

Residents of Goma, a major city in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, are facing a dire situation as they have been cut off from the farms that provide food for the region. Rebel forces from the ethnic Tutsi-led M23 movement have blocked the main roads into Goma, preventing the delivery of produce. This has caused panic and fear among the population, as they are unsure how long they can hold out without access to food. The fighting in the region has forced tens of thousands of people to flee from their homes, adding to the nearly seven million internally displaced people in the country. Recent attacks on nearby towns, such as Sake, have resulted in casualties and injuries, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of patients. This resurgence of conflict is reminiscent of the events in 2012 when Goma was occupied by rebels for 10 days. The M23 movement claims to be defending the Tutsi population in the region, but UN experts believe they are backed by Rwanda. The conflict is primarily driven by economic interests, with Rwanda accused of looting Congo's mineral resources. The M23 has expressed its desire for peace negotiations with the Congolese government, but President Tshisekedi has ruled out any talks and instead called for the withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping force in the country. There are concerns that the conflict could escalate further, with the Congolese president threatening to declare war on Rwanda if the rebels attack again. The intensification of fighting in the region has raised fears of a humanitarian crisis, as the vulnerable population could be exposed to a new wave of epidemics. Overall, the situation in Goma is desperate, with residents suffering the consequences of the ongoing conflict.