M23 rebels abducted 130 patients from hospitals in Goma, eastern Congo, claiming they were suspected soldiers. The U.N. condemned the actions, highlighting a significant escalation of violence in the region, which has seen nearly 3,000 deaths and territorial gains by rebels amid foreign military backing. Calls for intervention are growing as the conflict intensifies.
The United Nations reported that M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have abducted at least 130 patients from hospitals in Goma, eastern Congo. On February 28, raiding teams targeted the CBCA Ndosho and Heal Africa Hospitals, taking 116 individuals from the former and 15 from the latter, under suspicion that they were soldiers or affiliated with pro-government militias.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights Office, expressed deep concern over this coordinated act of abducting patients from hospitals, urging for their immediate return. The escalation of M23’s military offensives has resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and increased destabilization in eastern Congo.
Since the start of the year, M23 has rapidly seized control of significant urban centers, including Goma and Bukavu. The region, rich in valuable minerals like gold and coltan, has drawn military attention. M23 is reportedly backed by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops and has threatened to advance towards Congo’s capital, Kinshasa.
Tensions have escalated further as Rwanda accuses Congo of recruiting Hutu fighters linked to the 1994 genocide, while M23 claims it aims to protect Tutsis in Congo and promote state development—a stance analysts consider a facade for Rwanda’s aggressive strategic interests. Recent violence in Bukavu at an M23 rally led to casualties, heightening fears of ongoing conflict.
The situation in eastern Congo is marked by significant unrest, highlighted by the recent abduction of 130 hospital patients by M23 rebels. With the conflict intensifying and territories changing hands rapidly, the local population is suffering greatly amidst military actions. The indirect involvement of Rwanda raises complex geopolitical challenges, as both nations accuse each other of harboring extremist elements. The plight of the abducted individuals underscores the urgent need for international intervention and a clear resolution to the conflict.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
