M23 rebels may again be a threat to Goma in DRC

RPS Partnership has just received information from its source in Goma, in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Yesterday at 4 am rebels of the M23 movement attacked Mutaho city, which is 12 kilometres from Goma, North Kivu. 

The M23 attacked the FARDC ( the national army) barracks and this has now led to panic amongst the people of Goma that the town will once again fall under the control of the rebels. The army pushed back the rebels after two hours of heavy fighting, but sporadic clashes are continuing, it is believed. These are the first clashes between the two sides since the rebels pulled out of the regional capital, Goma, last year.

Backar Burubi, a local shoolteacher, told RPS Partnership "This morning is much calmer but  people have kept their children at home today and schools are closed."  

12 kilometres is not a long way in Congolese terms and even though there is 'no plan to advance', it could be that M23 is trying to disrupt the deployment of the UN force in the area.  

The people of Goma have a right to feel panic as some 800,000 people have fled the fighting since the M23 launched its rebellion last year.  They don't want the same to happen this year.

Security is being increased in Goma, as there are fears that the rebels may try to cut the city off from the provincial army headquarters in Bueremana.

There is now a high threat of conflict in the area and RPS Partnership recommends that anyone planning to visit this area has robust security measures in place. Contact us for further advice and assistance at [email protected].

Photo: www.thehindu.com