More than 110,000 individuals are stranded in eastern Congo as M23 rebels forcibly close settlement camps, leading to mass displacement. Following their takeover of Goma, the rebels issued an ultimatum for displaced persons to return home, raising concerns about humanitarian access. The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and continues to endanger the lives of displaced families in the region.
In the eastern region of Congo, over 110,000 individuals have been left stranded after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels forcibly closed settlement camps. These actions follow the rebels’ recent acquisition of Goma, Congo’s largest city, amid escalating conflict with government forces, which has resulted in approximately 2,000 casualties since January. The United Nations reported that residents were given a 72-hour ultimatum to vacate the camps and return to their villages, with many now facing dire humanitarian conditions.
Despite the M23 rebels later indicating that returns should be voluntary, the urgency has led many displaced individuals to relocate to villages that are less accessible to aid. Witnesses from Associated Press have reported families dismantling their shelters and departing with minimal possessions. Displaced individual Sibomana Safari expressed distress at being compelled to leave without assistance, questioning their survival prospects.
Currently, the Forum of International Non-Governmental Organisations estimates that nearly 500,000 people have been displaced due to the ongoing conflicts. Goma, prior to the recent violence, was hosting close to one million displaced individuals. Oonagh Curry, an emergency coordinator for Doctors Without Borders, emphasized the critical situation, warning of worsening humanitarian crises due to mass relocations.
Among the fleeing populace, Kwimana Sifa, who lost his home to bombings, lamented, “It is better to leave us here. Although we lack food, we have shelter here.” The M23 has announced a ceasefire, yet sporadic clashes with government forces continue as the rebels extend their control.
Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the M23, voiced concerns over escalating killings in Bukavu, indicating that if such violence continues, they would take necessary actions to protect their people. The situation remains precarious in eastern Congo, requiring urgent international attention and intervention to address the humanitarian needs of the displaced population.
The humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo is escalating as over 110,000 people have been forcibly displaced by the actions of M23 rebels. Despite declarations of voluntary returns, many individuals face worsening conditions in inaccessible areas. The ongoing violence and threats of conflict raise severe concerns for the safety and well-being of vulnerable communities. Urgent international support is needed to address this crisis and assist those affected.
Original Source: apnews.com
