What is happening in eastern Congo, where rebels claim they captured a key city? AP Explains

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(29 Jan 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Goma, DRCongo - 26 January 2025
1. Congolese army vehicles drive towards the frontline
2. Displaced people walking towards Goma

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Dakar, Senegal - 29 January 2025
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Annie Risemberg, The Associated Press: ++STARTS ON SHOT 1 AND PARTIALLY OVERLAID BY SHOTS 4 TO 10++
“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 and others, M23 soldiers are circulating freely, and seem to be cementing their control over Goma.”

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Goma, DRCongo - 26 January 2025
4. M23 soldiers standing at the Congo-Rwanda border

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Goma, DRCongo - 25 January 2025
5. Various of peacekeepers’ tanks and trucks leaving from front line to Goma city

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Goma, DRCongo - 29 January 2025
6. STILL of M23 rebels
7. STILL of M23 rebels negotiating with Rwanda Army to release captured Romanian mercenaries to Rwanda Government

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Goma, DRCongo - 25 January 2025
8. Displaced people watching military vehicles

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Goma, DRCongo - 29 January 2025
9. STILL of M23 rebels patrolling
10. STILL of M23 rebels escorting Romanian mercenaries ++PART MUTE++
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.

Congo’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.

The chaotic situation has its roots in ethnic conflict: M23 says it is defending ethnic Tutsis who fled to Congo after the 1994 genocide that killed around 800,000 Tutsis and others.

Tutsis have claimed they are being persecuted by Hutus and former militias responsible for the genocide, who have also relocated into eastern Congo.

Analysts say the real fight is for control over the Congo’s vast mineral deposits, estimated to be worth $24 trillion, and critical to much of the world’s technology.







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