The airport was left in disrepair following the rebels’ capture of Goma in January, with its runway littered with abandoned ammunition from retreating government troops.

In response to the escalating conflict, leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) recently called for a phased withdrawal of their troops from eastern DRC, aiming to create conditions for a peaceful resolution. This decision was followed by a meeting last Friday between M23 leaders and Southern African forces, where both sides agreed to cease hostilities. However, the rebels demanded the unconditional withdrawal of foreign troops, a stance rejected by the Congolese government.

The DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has insisted that SADC troops will remain in the region until M23 withdraws from occupied territories, in accordance with a United Nations Security Council resolution.

The security situation in eastern DRC has deteriorated sharply since the beginning of the year. Over 7 000 people have been killed, while more than 300 000 have been displaced due to ongoing violence. Despite calls for a ceasefire from regional leaders in East and Southern Africa, clashes between warring factions continue.

--ChannelAfrica--