M23 Rebels and Rwandan Forces Close Goma Airport Amid Escalating Conflict

Congolese rebels, supported by Rwandan forces, advanced into Goma's outskirts on Sunday. The airport in this crucial eastern city is now unusable, according to the top UN official in the country. Thousands have fled the conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers. The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has gained significant ground near the Rwandan border, threatening Goma.

The UN special representative for Congo, Bintu Keita, reported to the UN Security Council that despite international peacekeepers aiding Congolese forces, M23 and Rwandan troops entered Munigi, causing panic and mass displacement. Munigi is located 9 km from Goma. Keita noted that M23 fighters are advancing amidst a constant movement of fleeing populations or those used as human shields.

Impact on Civilians and Humanitarian Efforts

Roads are blocked, and the airport is unusable for evacuations or humanitarian missions. M23 has declared Goma's airspace closed. "In other words, we are trapped," Keita stated. The UN is temporarily relocating nonessential staff from Goma due to the escalating situation.

On Sunday morning, heavy gunfire was heard across Goma, just a few kilometres from the front line. Many displaced children and adults fled Kanyaruchinya camp near the Rwandan border towards Goma. "We are fleeing because we saw soldiers on the border with Rwanda throwing bombs and shooting," said Safi Shangwe.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Tensions

During Sunday's UN Security Council meeting, Rwanda's UN Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo blamed Congo's government for not committing to peace. He emphasised that there is no military solution and urged a return to diplomatic processes involving African actors.

Congo has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, withdrawing all diplomatic staff immediately. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe described this as a unilateral move by Congo. He mentioned that Rwanda had already evacuated its remaining diplomat from Kinshasa due to threats.

UN Peacekeepers and Regional Security Concerns

In recent days, two South African peacekeepers and one from Uruguay were killed, with 11 others injured. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the M23 offensive supported by Rwanda's Defence Forces and called for an immediate halt to hostilities.

Congo's army claimed it repelled an M23 attack with help from allied forces, including UN troops and soldiers from the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC). Since 2021, these forces have been preventing M23 from capturing Goma.

Humanitarian Crisis Escalates

The ongoing conflict has created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. Over 21 million people across Congo need aid. The situation in eastern Congo is worsening rapidly. If fighting reaches densely populated Goma, civilian impact could be severe.

Earlier this week, rebels captured Sake, 27 km from Goma. Concerns are growing about Goma's potential fall. Hundreds attempted to flee to Rwanda through the "Great Barrier" border crossing east of Goma on Sunday.

The UN peacekeeping force has been present in Congo for over two decades with around 14,000 peacekeepers deployed. Despite efforts to maintain stability, tensions remain high as regional dynamics continue to evolve.