Devastation in Goma: M23 Rebels’ Influence Leaves Families in Turmoil
The advance of M23 rebels in Goma has resulted in immense suffering for civilians, including casualties and displacements. Families, such as that of 13-year-old Heshima, face overwhelming trauma and loss. The conflict is linked to historical violence and is complicated by external influences, particularly from Rwanda, raising fears of humanitarian crises and regional instability.
In Goma city, located in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the surge of M23 rebels has led to profound devastation among families. Heshima, a 13-year-old boy, suffers from severe injuries, including a lost leg and burned skin, while grappling with the trauma of losing both parents due to the conflict. His relative, Tantine, attributes the violence to the M23, who are allegedly supported by Rwanda in their fight against the Congolese army (FARDC).
The M23 rebels, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, have gained control of major cities since early 2022, claiming to liberate them with the assistance of around 4,000 Rwandan troops. This control has inflicted significant casualties; a UN estimate suggests that nearly 3,000 people have perished in the ongoing fighting. Hospitals, such as Ndosho, are overwhelmed with casualties, and medical staff are pushed to their limits, struggling to treat an influx of patients resulting from the violence.
While Goma’s streets appear somewhat revived with bustling shops and vendors, the presence of the M23 is felt implicitly, as they do not openly display their armed forces. Some residents express their despair, stating that they would accept anyone promoting peace, while others cautiously navigate the new regime. An activist voiced their concerns about geographical silence overshadowing the community, attributing it to fear of retaliation from the rebels.
The M23 claims to foster peace and development. Willy Manzi, a newly appointed vice-governor, expressed an optimistic vision for the region, stating on social media, “Expect peace, security, development, job creation… a future with zero refugees, zero corruption, zero hunger.” Nevertheless, contradicting this narrative, the displaced populations living in camps are facing imminent eviction, contradicting the notion of voluntary return while raising fears of further instability and violence.
Human rights organizations have raised alarms over the M23’s pattern of abuses, such as indiscriminate shelling and executions, which they argue reflect the group’s violent tactics against civilians. The conflict in DR Congo has deep historical roots connected to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, during which many perpetrators fled the country, and critics suggest that Rwanda’s interest in Congo’s mineral wealth exacerbates tensions, with the potential for triggering broader conflicts.
As families like Alphonsine’s prepare to leave Bulengo camp, burdened by the loss of their homes and the uncertainty of their future, they encapsulate the precarious and painful reality faced by many. Alphonsine lamented her situation succinctly, stating, “I came from suffering and I leave in suffering.” This shared sentiment underscores the enduring impacts of the conflict on displaced families in the region.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, spearheaded by M23 rebels, has resulted in grave humanitarian crises, with widespread devastation among families, overwhelming medical facilities, and increasing fears of violence and instability. Despite the rebels’ claims of bringing peace and development, many displaced individuals face dire circumstances and are being forced from their temporary shelters amidst uncertainty. The complexity of underlying historical tensions continues to influence the conflict, with implications that could extend beyond the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
