Over 110,000 displaced persons in eastern Congo are stranded after M23 rebels closed camps. Fighting has escalated since the capture of Goma, killing at least 2,000. The U.N. reports that relocations to further villages jeopardize access to aid, prompting concern from humanitarian organizations over worsening conditions.
Over 110,000 people in eastern Congo are stranded as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have forcibly closed settlement camps, according to the U.N. and locals. The M23, a prominent armed group, recently captured Goma in late January, intensifying the long-standing conflict with government forces, resulting in approximately 2,000 fatalities around the city. Following this, the rebels issued a 72-hour ultimatum for displaced persons to return to their villages, despite claims that these returns should be voluntary.
Although M23 rebels claimed the returns were meant to restore normalcy, the forced exodus has left many in perilous conditions as aid groups report that relocated individuals are heading to villages where access to assistance is limited. Witnesses have observed families dismantling shelters in Goma, packing their belongings in distressing circumstances, as exemplified by Sibomana Safari who expressed concern over leaving without provisions for his children.
Current estimates suggest that the conflict generated over 500,000 displacements in the region. Goma, pre-crisis, sheltered nearly a million displaced individuals. Emergency aid coordinator for Doctors Without Borders, Oonagh Curry, characterized the situation as extremely precarious, emphasizing the risk of worsening the ongoing humanitarian crisis due to mass migrations caused by the conflict.
Personal accounts reveal despair among displaced individuals, such as Kwimana Sifa, who stated the loss of his home made abandoning their temporary refuge seemingly more threatening than remaining in conditions lacking food but providing shelter. Despite a recent unilateral ceasefire declared by M23, reports of fighting continue while the rebels assert a commitment to protect civilians from violence occurring in Bukavu, about 50 kilometers away.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka warned of escalated action should the violence persist, indicating a deteriorating security situation in Bukavu. The conflict in eastern Congo remains highly volatile, with humanitarian and security challenges for both the displaced and those still in affected areas.
The situation in eastern Congo is dire, with over 110,000 people forced to leave settlement camps due to M23 rebels’ actions. The conflict, intensified by recent territorial gains and a rising death toll, has created significant humanitarian concerns as displaced individuals face further hardships in remote areas devoid of aid. Local leaders emphasize the critical need for peace and humanitarian assistance amid this escalating crisis.
Original Source: apnews.com
