The conflict in Goma, DR Congo, led by M23 rebels allegedly supported by Rwanda, has caused severe casualties and displaced thousands. Many families are devastated, with reports of bombings and violence against civilians. As residents face threats of eviction from refugee camps, the situation remains dire with widespread humanitarian implications. The ongoing battle for control over the region raises fears of a regional war driven by the quest for mineral wealth.
The ongoing conflict in Goma, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has left countless families in despair. Heshima, a 13-year-old boy, is recovering in a hospital after losing his parents and suffering severe injuries, attributed to assaults by M23 rebels, who are allegedly supported by Rwanda. His relative, Tantine, recounted the tragic day when she lost six family members due to bombings amid clashes between the M23 and the Congolese army (FARDC).
M23, claiming to be freedom fighters, has gained control over key cities in the region, which is rich in minerals and borders Rwanda. The rebel group, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, has advanced since early 2022, with reports indicating that Rwanda has approximately 4,000 troops aiding their efforts. Despite denials from Kigali, UN experts assert that Rwanda exercises significant control over M23.
As M23 took over Goma, the death toll soared nearly to 3,000 individuals, according to UN estimates. At Ndosho Hospital, where Heshima is being treated, the influx of casualties has overwhelmed medical staff, who have struggled with shortages due to looting at the onset of increased conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross reports that doctors are facing dire conditions and have been forced to make sacrifices for patient care.
On the streets of Goma, there is minimal visible presence of M23 fighters, yet they remain a silent authority. Local residents express a desperate desire for stability, with some stating they would accept any leader promising peace. Activists highlight a growing fear among the populace, with many members of the media choosing self-censorship out of concern for repercussions under M23 governance.
Amid the turmoil, M23 has threatened over 72,000 displaced individuals in refugee camps to vacate their shelters. Many, like Divine, face impossible choices, fearing hunger and homelessness as their homes have been destroyed. Camps, once viewed as temporary havens, are now sites of uncertainty, with residents hastily packing to avoid the announcement.
Reports from human rights groups accuse both M23 and the Congolese army of severe human rights violations during the conflict, including indiscriminate attacks and acts of violence against civilians. The roots of the conflict are intertwined with the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, where many perpetrators fled to the DRC and continue to present a perceived threat to Rwanda. Critics argue that Rwanda’s actions are motivated by interests in the DRC’s mineral wealth, crucial for technology supply chains, raising concerns of a possible regional war.
In Bulengo camp, displaced individuals like Alphonsine are packing to return to devastated homes. Her journey back home is fraught with uncertainty, reflecting the cycle of suffering many are grappling with. She lamented the lack of viable options, stating, “I came from suffering, and I leave in suffering,” encapsulating the tragic realities of the conflict.
The magnitude of the humanitarian crisis continues to surge, drawing international attention while local communities grapple with the conflict’s impact day by day. As different factions vie for control over this mineral-rich region, the main beneficiaries remain distant from the suffering endured by local populations.
The conflict in Goma has led to devastating consequences for families and communities, as rebel advances leave many displaced and vulnerable. Concerns regarding human rights violations and the complicity of foreign actors underscore the complexity of the situation. As residents return to destroyed homes amidst the ongoing violence, the long-term ramifications on peace and stability in the region are deeply concerning.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
