Political spokesperson for the rebel M23/AFC forces, Laurence Kanyuka, has persisted with the 48-hour ultimatum provided to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to give up control of Goma and the surrounding region. Since being issued by M23, the ultimatum has proven useful in stalling the escalation of this conflict.
In recent days the scale of the armed conflict between the FARDC and M23 has heated up significantly. This has been observed in the newer areas to the North East, particularly the bustling city of Goma. M23 has previously claimed and is currently holding important strategic geography including Masisi and Minova, and already has plans to take over the city of Goma.
On January 25 communication was made by M23 informing that the government forces stationed in Goma and allied militia within the area have a 48 hour window to disarm themselves. Oka has openly expressed concern about armed clashes within the city and upon armed civilians within it.
Kanyuka turned to X and detailed in a post that the situation is critical and that the declaration is on the verge of its expiration point. In his words, “FARDC units located in Goma have been issued a backdrop of the caution clock edging towards the red. People of Goma ought to be gloriously free from suffering. Faced with prospects of worsening the conflict, immediate action must be forced.”
The ultimatum has created panic amongst the populace of Goma, many of whom use the city as a center for trade and sustenance. Defectors have stated that civilians are looking to migrate to parts of the country where the conflict hasn’t spread yet.
The violation of security norms has begun capturing the attention of international parties. Countries like UK, France, Germany, USA in addition to others have issued advisories to their citizens living in Goma to evacuate immediately. Also, there have been reports that personnel from MONUSCO are slowly starting to retreat from the city.
With the approach of the deadline, all eyes are on the FARDC’s response. While many observers anticipate this Northern part of Africa may not have escaped from the horrific humanitarian scenario the rest of the world is in. Many anticipate that the region will never stabilize so long as this standoff remains unresolved.
