(29 Jan 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo – 26 January 2025
1. Congolese army vehicles drive towards the frontline
2. Various of displaced people walking towards Goma
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Dakar, Senegal – 29 January 2025
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Annie Risemberg, Associated Press:
“Congo’s eastern capital of Goma, a strategic city at the heart of a mineral-rich region, was plunged into chaos this week after a rebel group claimed control of the city on Monday. Goma and surrounding towns have long served as a refuge for those fleeing the surrounding conflict, which has raged for decades. Congo alleges that the Rwanda-backed rebels, known as M23, want to take control of the country’s natural resources. But Rwanda says that Congo is protecting perpetrators of the 1994 genocide, who fled into Congo years ago, fearing reprisals. Gaining control of eastern Congo, for Rwanda and M23, is seen as an attempt to protect the Tutsi population in the region. M23 is one of the many groups vying for power in eastern Congo. Briefly gaining control of Goma in 2012, the group launched another offensive in 2022, and took several key towns in recent weeks. Fighting reached Goma by Sunday, and videos circulating on social networks Monday showed soldiers said to be M23 walking in the streets. The city was calm Wednesday. Though pockets of town continue to be controlled by the Congolese army, in others, M23 soldiers are circulating freely, and seem to be cementing their control over Goma.”
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Goma, DRC – 29 January 2025
4. Various of M23 soldiers standing at the Congo-Rwanda border
5. M23 soldiers standing with United Nations troops
6. Various of M23 soldiers
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Goma, DRC – 25 January 2025
7. Various of UN peacekeepers’ tanks and trucks leaving from front line to Goma city
8. Displaced people watching military vehicles
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ngungu, North Kivu, DRC – 10 January 2025
9. Wide top shot of town of Ngungu in Congo’s North Kivu province
STORYLINE:
Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo were losing control of the key city of Goma on Wednesday after rebel groups backed by Rwanda took over the airport and shared plans to set up a new administration.
Soldiers fighting for DRCongo – many of them mercenaries from other nations – were laying down their weapons at the border with Rwanda.
DRCongo’s army seemed to be in disarray, and those at the border appeared disorganized and ill-equipped for fighting.
The city appeared calm Wednesday.
Though some areas continue to be controlled by the Congolese army, in others, M23 soldiers were circulating freely, and seemed to be cementing their control over Goma.
Goma and surrounding towns have long served as a refuge for those fleeing the surrounding conflict, which has raged for decades.
Congo alleges that the Rwanda-backed rebels, known as M23, want to take control of the country’s natural resources.
But Rwanda says that Congo is protecting perpetrators of the 1994 genocide, who fled into Congo years ago, fearing reprisals.
Gaining control of eastern Congo, for Rwanda and M23, is seen as an attempt to protect the Tutsi population in the region.
M23 is one of the many groups vying for power in eastern Congo.
Briefly gaining control of Goma in 2012, the group launched another offensive in 2022, and took several key towns in recent weeks.
Fighting reached Goma by Sunday, and videos circulating on social networks Monday showed soldiers said to be M23 walking in the streets.
===========================================================
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/
You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/1bec6e87a24d4f9e897ca5926dbe0843
Author: AP Archive
Go to Source
News post in February 3, 2025, 6:05 pm.
Visit Our Sponsor’s:
News Post In – News
