M23 Rebels Devastate Families Amid the Conflict in Goma, DR Congo

The recent advances of M23 rebels in Goma, DRC, have resulted in significant suffering for civilians, including injuries and deaths. The rebels, with alleged support from Rwanda, have taken control of key areas, leading to overwhelmed hospitals dealing with casualties. Displaced individuals face harsh decisions and uncertain futures as the situation continues to escalate amidst ongoing violence and allegations of human rights abuses.

In Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, the M23 rebel group has intensified its offensive, leaving a trail of destruction and suffering in its wake. Heshima, a 13-year-old boy, suffers physical injuries including a lost leg and burn wounds, alongside the trauma of losing both of his parents to the violence brought about by M23 attacks. His relative, Tantine, attributes the deaths to the M23 rebels fighting against the Congolese army, known as FARDC, amidst escalating conflict.

The M23 rebels, mainly composed of ethnic Tutsis, claim to be liberating the region while leveraging support from Rwandan troops. Since early 2022, they have aggressively seized territory, culminating in their control over Goma. Reports from UN experts assert that Rwanda exercises significant influence over the M23, a claim the Rwandan government vehemently denies.

The hospital in Ndosho is overwhelmed with the casualties from this conflict. Medical staff struggle against an influx of wounded, treating approximately 100 to 150 injured individuals daily at the peak. Myriam Favier of the International Committee of the Red Cross notes that essential medical supplies were looted, and doctors have often resorted to sleeping in operating rooms to cope with the demands placed on them.

Despite the absence of overt M23 fighters on the streets of Goma, the local population remains aware of their authoritative presence. Numerous shops have reopened, hinting at a semblance of normalcy, yet fear pervades the community’s psyche. Activists express concern over widespread self-censorship and warn of an uncertain future under rebel governance, deeming this the most precarious period in Goma’s history.

Willy Manzi, a newly appointed M23 vice governor, claims a vision for peace and development under the rebels’ control. However, tens of thousands displaced from conflict-prone areas received alarming ultimatums from the M23 to vacate existing refugee camps. Divine, a displaced mother, voices her fears regarding their imminent eviction without a place to return to, given their homes have been destroyed.

The situation in Bulengo camp, home to many displaced individuals, reflects the harsh reality of displacement. In an abrupt announcement, the M23 stated they would encourage voluntary returns, a process met with skepticism by those affected. Human rights organizations decry the M23’s actions, alleging a pattern of violence, while the Congolese army faces similar accusations amidst the ongoing turmoil.

The roots of this conflict trace back decades, influenced by the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Rwanda remains concerned about the guardianship of its borders and often cites security risks posed by Hutu refugees. Critics argue that Rwanda’s ambitions are tied to the mineral wealth of the DRC, which remains untapped for the benefit of its people amidst this escalating conflict.

As families like Alphonsine’s prepare to leave the only refuge they have known, the grim prospects of their future loom large. With her home in ruins, she contemplates a long journey back to a place devoid of safety and resources. Her statement encapsulates the despair faced by many: “I came from suffering, and I leave in suffering.”

The ongoing conflict in Goma, spearheaded by the M23 rebels, has created devastating ramifications for civilian populations. Amidst claims of external support from Rwanda and an urgent humanitarian crisis, individuals like Heshima and Divine highlight the personal toll this war takes on families. With a legacy of violence and uncertainty, the quest for peace and stability in the DRC and its mineral-rich regions remains fraught with challenges that continue to affect the lives of countless people.

Original Source: www.bbc.com