I just read that Goma Airport has been
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I just read that Goma Airport has been
over-run and occupied by a Guerrilla group called M23. I read it on Al-Jazeera website, whatever that is worth. I have never heard of M23, but if anyone is going to Goma DRC they might want to call ahead, if thats possible.
Last edited by Temp Spike; 21st Nov 2012 at 02:06.
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M23 are Congo muitineers, but supposedly the UN forces still hold the airport. Like you said, best to call ahead - runway might be subjected to sporadic sprinklings of mortar shells.
Goma falls to Congo rebels | World news | guardian.co.uk
M23 and the Congolese army were engaged in running battles in the centre of Goma from early on Tuesday morning. M23 made significant advances, particularly in the streets around the airport, which remained under the control of the UN peacekeeping mission, Monusco.
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Thanks for the source AdamCG
I never would have heard about this had I not read Al-Jazeera. We in the States are getting like the Russians were in 1965. Blind to everything except what we are spoon fed.
I miss Africa, but I don't things like this.
I miss Africa, but I don't things like this.
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I feel your pain...
I was driving to school in Marlboro, Vermont, population 931, when I heard about Goma, on National Public Radio, their re-broadcast of some obscure overseas network called "the BBC..."
I dunno what BBC means, Bavarian Broadcasting Company or something like that, but the guy had a real funny accent, sort of like he had a plum in his mouth, and he stuttered a lot.... Anyway, yes, he mentioned that thing about the M23 and how they had marched into Goma unopposed.
It might be very hard cheese for anyone landing at the airport in the near future, since they might be met by a "technical" as a not-exactly "FOLLOW ME" but a "YOU AH UNDAH ARESS!" vehicle. Personally, I never worried about that sort of thing very much, except for the few times I had been unavoidably detained in various African beauty spots.
My cousin went to the London airport on the M25 once and he said that was "a nightmare," so if the M23 is anything like that then I guess it must be pretty bad.
Nowadays "I don't things like this" either, but if I ever get back to Africa I will be sure to let you know how it's going nowadays, Mr. Spike. Meanwhile, enjoy the company of your fellow tards here in the stupid old US of A. Keep that bib on, buddy, and stand by for more "spoon feedings!"
I dunno what BBC means, Bavarian Broadcasting Company or something like that, but the guy had a real funny accent, sort of like he had a plum in his mouth, and he stuttered a lot.... Anyway, yes, he mentioned that thing about the M23 and how they had marched into Goma unopposed.
It might be very hard cheese for anyone landing at the airport in the near future, since they might be met by a "technical" as a not-exactly "FOLLOW ME" but a "YOU AH UNDAH ARESS!" vehicle. Personally, I never worried about that sort of thing very much, except for the few times I had been unavoidably detained in various African beauty spots.
My cousin went to the London airport on the M25 once and he said that was "a nightmare," so if the M23 is anything like that then I guess it must be pretty bad.
Nowadays "I don't things like this" either, but if I ever get back to Africa I will be sure to let you know how it's going nowadays, Mr. Spike. Meanwhile, enjoy the company of your fellow tards here in the stupid old US of A. Keep that bib on, buddy, and stand by for more "spoon feedings!"
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Several things BBC might stand for, and surprised that US public broadcasting is using it as a reliable source. I thought they had higher standards than that.
Bolshevik Brainwashing Corporation probably sums it up best.
Or Babble, Bullsh1t and Communism.
Or combine the two for Brainwashing, Bolshevism and Communism.
No longer impartial, I fear, our dear old BBC. The above may be a bit overstated but its far too close to the truth for comfort.
Bolshevik Brainwashing Corporation probably sums it up best.
Or Babble, Bullsh1t and Communism.
Or combine the two for Brainwashing, Bolshevism and Communism.
No longer impartial, I fear, our dear old BBC. The above may be a bit overstated but its far too close to the truth for comfort.
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Yes, but!
One does get news of the outside world that way, Old Boy!
The local networks usually have stuff about someone spotting a possum up a tree or a raccoon being trapped in the engine compartment of someone's Subaru. That is all that passes for news in the wilds of southern Vermont, that and news about how to make wine from your old sandals in the name of "recycling."
The local networks usually have stuff about someone spotting a possum up a tree or a raccoon being trapped in the engine compartment of someone's Subaru. That is all that passes for news in the wilds of southern Vermont, that and news about how to make wine from your old sandals in the name of "recycling."
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More relief flights to Goma?
Looks like another increase in humanitarian need shaping up. UN/ICRC contracts will probably be required soon. Airstrip still held by blue-helmets whom seem to remain unmolested. I would say prepare to start hauling beans.
Congo Violence: Tens Of Thousands Of Civilians Flee Goma (PHOTOS)
Congo Violence: Tens Of Thousands Of Civilians Flee Goma (PHOTOS)
Last edited by Temp Spike; 23rd Nov 2012 at 20:44.
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Now I hear; The people of Goma are being forced out to nobody knows where.
Sounds to much like the Cambodian killing fields. What the hell is going on down there? Somebody needs to check this out!
Where the hell are all the brave journalists now??
Sounds to much like the Cambodian killing fields. What the hell is going on down there? Somebody needs to check this out!
Where the hell are all the brave journalists now??
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Relax a little...
Hey, Temp, cool it. M23 are not (yet) the Khmer Rouge. Compared to the Army of the DRC the rebels are pretty disciplined. They are pulling back from Sake and Goma now, and will likely sit tight on the old front lines north of the city. The UN are still in Goma and the surrounding areas, and there's been no reports of conflict between M23 and the UN.
Good current reporting here:
M23 rebels in slow retreat from Goma - DR CONGO - FRANCE 24
There are dozens of "brave journalists" in Goma, and have been since before M23 got within 20 kms of the city. Most of us who are interested in the region have been keeping a close eye on M23 since early this summer when they first started moving south towards Goma.
I understand that in rural Vermont you might not get the latest news from Goma on the radio. In truth, we don't get much latest news from rural Vermont where I live.
But the amazing worldwide interweb is a good place to start, if you want to find out what's going on out here...
Good current reporting here:
M23 rebels in slow retreat from Goma - DR CONGO - FRANCE 24
There are dozens of "brave journalists" in Goma, and have been since before M23 got within 20 kms of the city. Most of us who are interested in the region have been keeping a close eye on M23 since early this summer when they first started moving south towards Goma.
I understand that in rural Vermont you might not get the latest news from Goma on the radio. In truth, we don't get much latest news from rural Vermont where I live.
But the amazing worldwide interweb is a good place to start, if you want to find out what's going on out here...
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UN OBSERVERS REPORT FROM VERMONT!
A force of raccoons has infiltrated southern Vermont, report UN observers. "We are not doing nothing about this; we only observe. What you want from us anyway?" reported one UN observer. He went on to observe that, according to his observations, a dual-pronged, slow-moving, but relentless advance has seen the trees and streams of one quiet village in southern Vermont now occupied by masked intruders that operate by night, terrorizing residents by making sneak attacks upon their trash cans and even invading their Subarus.
"Yesterday," he told our team of reporters, "we had to dispatch a team of six observers to the local post office to observe a raccoon in the engine compartment of Jessica B.'s rusty Subaru Outback, the one with 'No Blood for Oil!!!' stickers plastered all over it. Having observed the invader, we closed the bonnet and slowly walked away. Mission Accomplished!"
Jessica B. was in hysterics, according to our reporter. Weeping, she said, "I feel that my personal space has been invaded! I only wanted to check why this little red light has been on, something about 'oil pressure,' but when I went to look, there it was! It was looking at my breasts! With its male gaze! Someone should do something! Now I need aromatherapy!"
"Yesterday," he told our team of reporters, "we had to dispatch a team of six observers to the local post office to observe a raccoon in the engine compartment of Jessica B.'s rusty Subaru Outback, the one with 'No Blood for Oil!!!' stickers plastered all over it. Having observed the invader, we closed the bonnet and slowly walked away. Mission Accomplished!"
Jessica B. was in hysterics, according to our reporter. Weeping, she said, "I feel that my personal space has been invaded! I only wanted to check why this little red light has been on, something about 'oil pressure,' but when I went to look, there it was! It was looking at my breasts! With its male gaze! Someone should do something! Now I need aromatherapy!"
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Well, that sort of selfless sacrifice (should that be "self promotion"?) is what we pay all those $000.000,000 to the UN for, isn't it.
I'm sure it represents good value in reducing the incidence of racoon molestation that is terrorising the civilised world. I hear they're making progress in Vermont too.
I'm sure it represents good value in reducing the incidence of racoon molestation that is terrorising the civilised world. I hear they're making progress in Vermont too.
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GOMA - Where Humanitarism Equals Business!
With the pull out of M23 rebel forces from Eastern Congo's provincial capital of Goma both Monusco(UN) and local Air Transport Companies can breathe a collective sigh of relief and pray for a quick return to business as usual.
For their part the UN has been saved the embarrassment of Goma's Sunday afternoon walkathon where M23 forces entered the city un-opposed by those who are paid and mandated to stop rebel forces using Congo's mineral resources to bring suffering to the people of Eastern Congo.
UN flights have resumed since the ceasefire, allowing the world’s largest ever peacekeeping operation to once again dominate the skies of DRC and justify their enormous budget and exaggerated salaries unhindered.
As for the local companies who traffic the minerals such as cassiterite and coltan from the mines in places such as Walikale and Kasesse this whole sorry saga and the "negotiated settlement" between the Government and the rebels will almost certainly include the resumption of this illicit trade in human misery that was suspended earlier this year by DRC's Prime Minister Matata Mpoyo prompting this crisis in the first place.
One thing is for sure - Goma will still be a dangerous runway to operate in and out of with the German Co-operation's recuperation and rehabilitation of 500 meters of the old runway which has remained covered with lava for the last 10 years seemingly taking longer to achieve than the East German's took to build the Berlin Wall.
For their part the UN has been saved the embarrassment of Goma's Sunday afternoon walkathon where M23 forces entered the city un-opposed by those who are paid and mandated to stop rebel forces using Congo's mineral resources to bring suffering to the people of Eastern Congo.
UN flights have resumed since the ceasefire, allowing the world’s largest ever peacekeeping operation to once again dominate the skies of DRC and justify their enormous budget and exaggerated salaries unhindered.
As for the local companies who traffic the minerals such as cassiterite and coltan from the mines in places such as Walikale and Kasesse this whole sorry saga and the "negotiated settlement" between the Government and the rebels will almost certainly include the resumption of this illicit trade in human misery that was suspended earlier this year by DRC's Prime Minister Matata Mpoyo prompting this crisis in the first place.
One thing is for sure - Goma will still be a dangerous runway to operate in and out of with the German Co-operation's recuperation and rehabilitation of 500 meters of the old runway which has remained covered with lava for the last 10 years seemingly taking longer to achieve than the East German's took to build the Berlin Wall.
Last edited by Mobotu; 29th Nov 2012 at 16:09. Reason: Correction....
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So why are all the people being forced out of Goma? Where are they going?
As far as relief flight crews and engineers making money, they SHOULD make money. Never heard such gall. These people are not rich you know. It’s not cheap nor easy to become qualified, licensed and proficient. The money for relief flights comes from outside Africa. A heck-of-a-lot of it stays in Africa. African needs money.
As far as relief flight crews and engineers making money, they SHOULD make money. Never heard such gall. These people are not rich you know. It’s not cheap nor easy to become qualified, licensed and proficient. The money for relief flights comes from outside Africa. A heck-of-a-lot of it stays in Africa. African needs money.
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population movement
Temp,
Where did you read that "all the people are being forced out of Goma?" As far as I can establish, the rebels who came into Goma a week ago are leaving Goma, under the terms of a peace treaty agreed between regional leaders in Kampala. There are several thousand refugees from other conflicts/economic migrants/ people displaced by volcanic activity / people who want to live in Goma but can't afford to, who all live (and have lived for twenty years) in refugees camps just north of Goma; they usually pack up and move everytime a new armed group comes through their camps (I think this is the fifth time in six years, but I may have lost count).
As far as I can tell, most of the population of Goma, Masisi, and Sake have stayed put, kept their heads down, got on with their lives, and not been hurt. Best figures I can find suggest that approx 150 rebels were killed in the advance since July; a handful of government soldiers were killed (most surrendered or ran away). The government in Kinshasa claim M23 have killed 64 civilians, but I've not seen that corroborated by witnesses on the ground.
Where did you read that "all the people are being forced out of Goma?" As far as I can establish, the rebels who came into Goma a week ago are leaving Goma, under the terms of a peace treaty agreed between regional leaders in Kampala. There are several thousand refugees from other conflicts/economic migrants/ people displaced by volcanic activity / people who want to live in Goma but can't afford to, who all live (and have lived for twenty years) in refugees camps just north of Goma; they usually pack up and move everytime a new armed group comes through their camps (I think this is the fifth time in six years, but I may have lost count).
As far as I can tell, most of the population of Goma, Masisi, and Sake have stayed put, kept their heads down, got on with their lives, and not been hurt. Best figures I can find suggest that approx 150 rebels were killed in the advance since July; a handful of government soldiers were killed (most surrendered or ran away). The government in Kinshasa claim M23 have killed 64 civilians, but I've not seen that corroborated by witnesses on the ground.
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RCSA It was CNN. Rapes, familes separated, M23 taking all the food, that sort of thing and people leaving Goma. People are afraid of M23 is the gist.
So this M23 is U.S. sponsered?
So this M23 is U.S. sponsered?
Last edited by Temp Spike; 29th Nov 2012 at 14:45.
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UN vs Humanitarian Relief Flights....
Temp I think you may have been out of Africa for too long....
The UN(Monusco) as it is know in DRC has NOTHING to do with humanitarian Relief flights whatsoever - this is complete nonsense.
Relief organisations such as UNHCR, ICRC, WFP etc are involved in helping people with food, medicine and shelter among other things...and for the most part they do amazing work in difficult conditions AND do it with a fraction of the budget of their Monusco counterparts.
Monusco is mandated "to use all necessary means to carry out its mandate relating, among other things, to the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and human rights defenders under imminent threat of physical violence and to support the Government of the DRC in its stabilization and peace consolidation efforts."
So you see absolutely NOTHING in there about humanitarian relief flights just a mandated occupation of yet another African country that FAILS to fulfull ANY or ALL of it's stated objectives.
The UN(Monusco) as it is know in DRC has NOTHING to do with humanitarian Relief flights whatsoever - this is complete nonsense.
Relief organisations such as UNHCR, ICRC, WFP etc are involved in helping people with food, medicine and shelter among other things...and for the most part they do amazing work in difficult conditions AND do it with a fraction of the budget of their Monusco counterparts.
Monusco is mandated "to use all necessary means to carry out its mandate relating, among other things, to the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and human rights defenders under imminent threat of physical violence and to support the Government of the DRC in its stabilization and peace consolidation efforts."
So you see absolutely NOTHING in there about humanitarian relief flights just a mandated occupation of yet another African country that FAILS to fulfull ANY or ALL of it's stated objectives.