M23 Rebels in Eastern Congo Abduct 130 Hospital Patients

M23 rebels backed by Rwanda abducted 130 patients from two hospitals in Goma, Congo, targeting those believed to be army soldiers. The U.N. expresses concern, calling for their immediate release as conflict escalates in eastern Congo, resulting in significant casualties and territorial gains for the rebels.

On February 28, 2023, the M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, abducted at least 130 patients from two hospitals in Goma, a significant city in eastern Congo. According to the United Nations, 116 patients were taken from CBCA Ndosho Hospital and 15 from Heal Africa Hospital, with the rebels targeting individuals they believed to be members of the Congolese army or the pro-government Wazalendo militia.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights Office, expressed deep concern about the coordinated raids, underscoring the distressing nature of such actions. She called for the immediate release of the abducted hospital patients, emphasizing the critical situation of their health.

The M23 rebels have escalated their offensive in eastern Congo since the beginning of 2023, controlling key urban areas and causing approximately 3,000 casualties in a significant resurgence of violence in the region. Their rapid advance included the takeover of Goma and Bukavu, cities instrumental to the region’s economy due to its rich deposits of gold and coltan, essential for various electronics.

Reports indicate that M23 is receiving support from roughly 4,000 troops from Rwanda, with their ambitions stated to extend to Congo’s capital, Kinshasa. On the other hand, Rwanda has accused Congo of recruiting ethnic Hutu fighters associated with the 1994 genocide. M23 frames its campaign as a protective measure for Tutsis and Congolese individuals of Rwandan descent, although many experts suggest these claims are pretexts for Rwanda’s interference in the region.

Additionally, recent violence resulted in at least 11 fatalities and numerous injuries during explosions at a rally led by M23 commanders in Bukavu, highlighting the ongoing instability in the area.

The abduction of over 130 hospital patients by M23 rebels underscores the deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern Congo. The rebels’ strategic control of key cities exacerbates the ongoing conflict, driven by both local and regional dynamics. As calls for the release of abducted patients grow, the complexities of the conflict remain deeply rooted in historical and ethnic tensions, raising urgent concerns for the safety and wellbeing of civilians in the region.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com