The AFC-M23 rebels captured Goma and Bukavu with little resistance, indicating the weakened state of DRC forces. They aim to establish a parallel government while relocating displaced persons, but the process offers little support. Photographer Paloma Laudet documents the transition’s local impact, revealing the challenges faced by affected communities.
In the wake of the fall of Goma on January 28, the AFC-M23 rebels, supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan Defense Forces personnel, swiftly advanced, capturing Bukavu just two weeks later. This seizure of the town, located across Lake Kivu from Goma, occurred with minimal conflict, highlighting the disarray of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) military forces, known as FARDC, as well as their allied Burundian troops and pro-government militias.
The M23 rebel group, alongside its political wing, the Alliance of the Congolese Forces (AFC), is endeavoring to establish an alternative governance structure in areas under their control. This new authority has initiated a policy of forcibly relocating displaced persons from camps that were formed following the resurgence of the M23 and the renewed hostilities beginning in November 2021. Such measures aim to mitigate insecurity risks while exhibiting the political reach of the newly established administration. However, the process of relocating displaced individuals lacks adequate support and protections.
Documenting this transition, photographer Paloma Laudet has captured the significant impacts on local communities from Goma to Bukavu, highlighting the reality of life in areas now controlled by the M23. Her work illustrates the stark challenges faced by civilians amidst these shifts in power and governance.
The ongoing control by M23 and AFC in eastern DRC signifies a significant change in regional power dynamics, marked by minimal armed resistance and the relocation of displaced populations. While the absence of direct conflict may suggest a semblance of peace, the underlying issues of insecurity and lack of support for displaced persons remain critical concerns. The emphasis on establishing a parallel authority by the rebels underscores the continuing instability in the region.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
