GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) – The M23 rebel group seized control of Goma’s airport on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The capture of the city’s strategic airport threatens to cut off vital supply lines for aid, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis faced by hundreds of thousands of displaced people in the region.

The violence in Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, escalated dramatically when M23 fighters advanced into the city on Monday. This attack is the worst outbreak of violence in the area since 2012, reviving fears of a larger regional conflict. The rebels’ assault has left a grim scene on the streets, with dead bodies lying in public areas, highlighting the intensity and brutality of the fighting.

The root cause of the prolonged conflict in the region is the complex legacy of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the ongoing battle for control of Congo’s rich mineral resources. These longstanding tensions have fueled the involvement of various armed groups, including the M23, which is largely composed of ethnic Tutsis from Rwanda.

The fall of Goma to the M23 rebels is a significant blow to the Congolese government, which has struggled to maintain control over the eastern provinces. The region has long been a hotbed of insurgent activity, and the latest developments threaten to destabilize not only Congo but also neighboring countries, as the unrest continues to spill across borders.

In addition to the violence in Goma, embassies in the capital, Kinshasa, were attacked as the insurgency spreads. This has raised concerns about the safety of diplomatic missions and foreign nationals in the country, further deepening the crisis.

The humanitarian situation continues to worsen as fighting disrupts access to essential services and aid. Aid agencies have expressed concern over the increasing difficulties in reaching displaced people, especially with the airport now under rebel control.

As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring the developments, urging both sides to de-escalate the violence and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, with no immediate signs of cessation, the future remains uncertain for the people of eastern Congo.