
Thousands of terrified civilians are fleeing towards Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as M23 rebels continue to advance, seizing key towns and pushing deeper into Congolese territory.
The M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, has made significant territorial gains in recent weeks, capturing the town of Minova and advancing towards Goma.
This represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about the potential for further violence and displacement.
The M23’s advance has sparked a mass exodus of civilians, with thousands fleeing their homes to escape the fighting.
Many have sought refuge in Goma, already struggling to cope with a large displaced population.
The M23’s control over key mining areas, rich in valuable minerals such as coltan, provides them with significant financial resources to sustain their operations.
This revenue stream further fuels the conflict and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis.
The Congolese army has been struggling to contain the M23’s advance, and the situation remains volatile.
This latest escalation in the conflict highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to address the root causes of the violence and ensure the protection of civilians.