Scars of War Still Deep in Goma as Conflict Rages On
Goma, once a thriving city in eastern DRC, faces dire consequences from recent conflicts led by M23 rebels. More than 8,500 deaths have been reported since the group’s advancement in January. A humanitarian crisis follows as over 1.2 million people have been displaced, living under the oppressive rule of M23 amid rising violence and crime.
GOMA, DR Congo, May 14 (Xinhua) – The city of Goma, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was once a vibrant hub but now rests under a fragile calm, overshadowed by conflict. Following the takeover by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group over three months ago, the daily lives of its over two million residents have been drastically disrupted. Unsettling memories of past violence linger, particularly recalling the city’s brief fall to M23 in 2012.
Marked by heavy fighting, Goma has indeed transformed into a war zone. Shells and gunfire have wreaked havoc on residential areas, with critical infrastructure like the airport and border posts caught in the chaos. Official reports indicate over 8,500 fatalities and around 5,600 injuries due to the recent escalation. Tragically, many of these casualties include vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and infants in displacement camps.
Ironically, after M23 declared a “humanitarian ceasefire” on February 4, violence persisted in North and South Kivu provinces. The group subsequently captured Bukavu, extending its influence with frontline positions in the region. Experts voice concerns that this phase of conflict could prove more entrenched than past events, driven by M23’s ambitions. Corneille Nangaa, a former electoral chief and now leader of M23’s political wing, stated his intent to “liberate the entire country.”
Once the guns fell silent, a disquieting silence enveloped Goma. The bustling commercial zones found themselves abandoned, with the banking system teetering on the brink of collapse. Residents confront rising crime rates, especially after dusk, as the M23 establishes checkpoints, demanding taxes, and tolls with government authority absent.
The human cost, as estimated by the International Organization for Migration, is staggering. More than 1.2 million individuals have faced new displacement across the Kivu provinces since January. Many who initially sought safety within Goma were forced to abandon it once again, adding to their suffering as they returned to villages ravaged and uninhabitable.
In a dramatic turn of events, the M23 issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the evacuation of key displacement camps in February, leading to the swift departure of families, often carrying only scant belongings. Unfortunately, they returned to ruins, with their villages destroyed and access routes rendered unpassable.
Sake, a town approximately 27 kilometers west of Goma, has become an epicenter of contention. It has witnessed relentless battles since late 2023, resulting in a devastated landscape littered with danger. Residents like Christian Kabuya voiced grave concerns, noting that unexploded ordnance remains prevalent, with several tragic accidents impacting innocent lives, particularly children.
Ndosho Hospital, in western Goma, remains the only facility tending to the wounded, albeit buckling under pressure. Supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the hospital grapples with the overwhelming influx of patients.
“There is a unique complexity to this situation,” explained ICRC’s Taoffic Mohamed Toure, who has dealt with various conflict zones. “The multitude of actors and constant violence render eastern Congo profoundly challenging to navigate.”
Despite diplomatic efforts falling short and ceasefires faltering, the residents of the eastern DRC continue to exist beneath the looming specter of conflict. In Goma, under the shadow of the still-active Mount Nyiragongo, the scars from this prolonged war are stark and painfully visible.
The situation in Goma is a poignant reminder of the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. With disrupted lives, unresolved violence, and a humanitarian crisis that continues to escalate, the people of Goma endure profound suffering. The complexities of the conflict present significant challenges for local and international humanitarian efforts. As hopes for peace remain distant, the scars of war feel ever-present in the community’s daily existence.
Original Source: english.news.cn
