The M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, has intensified attacks on Goma, leaving residents trapped. With the announcement of Goma’s capture, displaced populations have turned to the city for refuge. The deteriorating situation has prompted widespread fear and anger towards U.N. peacekeepers and highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
In Eastern Congo, the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, has intensified its attack, laying siege to the city of Goma, which has left many residents trapped with nowhere to escape. The situation escalated on Monday when M23 declared that they had taken control of Goma, forcing numerous people, already displaced, to flee from overcrowded camps on the city outskirts.
This long-standing conflict has persisted for decades, notably involving Rwandan-backed rebels against Congolese armed forces and local ally groups, thus earning the moniker “Africa’s World War.” On Monday, frightened Goma residents captured videos of rebels infiltrating the city, with M23 characterizing their advancement as a movement for liberation, further complicating the dire situation.
Congolese military personnel found themselves at a crossroads, with some abandoning their vehicles under heavy gunfire, while others chose to resist the rebel advances. Meanwhile, United Nations peacekeepers have been present in the region as they cope with increasing pressure and deteriorating conditions.
Reports indicate that local hospitals have become inundated with patients due to the conflict, as medical staff quickly set up emergency tents outside to provide care. One survivor, who sustained serious injuries from a bomb at an army checkpoint, conveyed her uncertainty about the future despite receiving treatment in a facility in Goma.
Asifiwe Iragi Rugesha faced the overwhelming task of guiding her six children through a crowded area while fleeing bombings in their hometown of Kibati, only to discover that Goma may not offer the sanctuary they desperately sought. Participation in this movement from M23 exacerbated their fears, making her realize that without other options, they were as vulnerable as ever.
On Sunday, the closure of the airport further restricted escape possibilities for residents in Goma. Local sentiments turned against the United Nations peacekeeping force, commonly referred to as MONUSCO, with many believing they failed to protect the Congolese populace.
Displaced individuals, such as Sifa Kigugo, expressed their hopelessness, having nowhere to turn for safety. As Goma lay in darkness with intermittent gunfire as the rebels advanced, the arduous plight of those injured and displaced became increasingly dire, highlighting the pressing need for a resolution to this longstanding crisis.
The ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo has persisted for decades, characterized by battles between the Congolese armed forces, local allied groups known as Wazalendo, and the M23 rebel faction supported by Rwanda. This region has faced significant instability, leading to massive displacement of civilians and creating a humanitarian crisis, often referred to as Africa’s World War. The complexity of alliances and hostilities has resulted in continuous violence and civilian suffering, manifesting in frequent conflicts and displacement crises.
The escalating violence in Goma, compounded by the advance of M23 rebels backed by Rwanda, has left countless civilians in peril, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian situation. The closure of escape routes, alongside the U.N. peacekeepers receiving public condemnation for inadequate protection, illustrates the gravity of both immediate safety concerns and the broader challenges in resolving this protracted conflict. As Goma grapples with increased instability and suffering, the plight of its citizens remains urgent and demands immediate attention.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
