M23 Rebels Establish Control in Eastern DRC Amid Humanitarian Concerns

The M23 rebels, with the aid of the Rwandan Defense Forces, have taken control of Goma and Bukavu in eastern DRC, displacing local populations while attempting to establish a parallel regime. The DRC’s armed forces have faced significant defeat, prompting concerns over the humanitarian implications for displaced individuals.

Following the fall of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province on January 28, AFC-M23 rebels, supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan Defense Forces personnel, advanced to seize Bukavu two weeks later. This operation was carried out with minimal resistance, highlighting the defeat of the DRC’s armed forces, known as FARDC, along with Burundian allies and pro-government militias.

The M23 rebels and their political wing, AFC, aim to create a parallel authority to the DRC government led by President Félix Tshisekedi, who has been in power since 2019. This new administration has initiated a controversial policy of relocating displaced persons from camps established since the resurgence of hostilities in November 2021, striving to enhance security and exhibit the effectiveness of the new governing body.

Despite these relocations, they occur without any foundational guarantees or assistance for the displaced individuals. The transition from government to M23 control has significant implications for the local populations, as documented through the photographic work of Paloma Laudet, which showcases the effects of this shift from Goma to Bukavu, covering areas such as Monigi and Minova.

In summary, the recent takeover of Goma and Bukavu by the M23 rebels and Rwandan forces underscores the significant deterioration of DRC’s military power. The establishment of a parallel government in the captured regions alongside the forced relocation of displaced persons raises serious humanitarian concerns. These developments signify a rapid transition that could lead to increased instability in this already volatile region.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr