At least 773 individuals were killed in Goma amid fighting with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The ongoing conflict has intensified, leading to humanitarian crises as thousands are displaced. Congolese military efforts continue amidst severe losses, raising concerns about the region’s stability and humanitarian access.
A staggering 773 individuals have been reported dead in Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), during intense conflicts involving Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. This latest violence signals a significant escalation in a prolonged conflict, with Congolese authorities stating that the death toll may rise as situations develop.
The Congolese government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, indicated that morgues and hospitals are currently housing 2,880 wounded individuals, but these numbers are subject to change. “These figures remain provisional because the rebels asked the population to clean the streets of Goma. There should be mass graves, and the Rwandans took care to evacuate theirs,” Muyaya explained.
In the wake of these developments, many residents have begun returning to Goma following assurances from the rebels regarding the restoration of essential services such as water and electricity. Residents are grappling with the aftermath of the violence, with one local expressing their despair, saying, “I’m tired and don’t know which way to go. On every corner [there] is a mourner.”
M23 stands out among the multitude of over 100 armed groups in eastern DRC. It is reportedly backed by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, a significant increase since their initial takeover of Goma in 2012, which was fueled by ethnic tensions. Current military efforts by the Congolese forces have seen the recapture of several villages, though the military has experienced significant losses.
As the M23 advances, observations from UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix highlight their rapid movement towards strategic locations near Bukavu. “The rebels seem to be moving quite fast,” Lacroix noted, indicating the potential for further territorial gain which poses risks for regional stability.
The humanitarian crisis following Goma’s capture is alarming, particularly as the city serves as a critical aid hub for millions displaced by ongoing conflicts in eastern Congo. The M23 has threatened to extend their campaign towards Kinshasa, raising serious concerns across the region.
The UN has confirmed that recent fighting has led to extrajudicial killings and forced conscription, with reports of at least 12 documented summary executions by M23. Additionally, support agencies are facing severe operational challenges due to the escalated violence, worsening the plight of those in need.
In a startling revelation, reports indicate that Congolese forces are also accused of committing acts of sexual violence amid the conflicts. The overall humanitarian situation has deteriorated, impacting delivery channels for essential aid. “The escalation of violence toward Bukavu raises fears of even greater displacement,” remarked Rose Tchwenko, director of Mercy Corps in DRC.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC has persisted for over a decade, characterized by the involvement of multiple armed groups and foreign interventions, particularly from Rwanda. The M23 rebels have emerged as a significant player in this landscape, driven by ethnic disputes and competing interests over the region’s mineral wealth. Goma’s strategic importance as a humanitarian hub creates heightened stakes for both civilians and combatants as violence escalates, impacting millions of vulnerable people. In recent years, the UN and various human rights organizations have documented numerous human rights violations amidst the chaos, further complicating the prospects for resolution. As rebel forces advance, many face dire humanitarian consequences, emphasizing the complexity of regional stability and the urgent need for international attention and intervention.
The situation in Goma, eastern DRC, underscores the severe humanitarian crisis triggered by intensified fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese forces. With a confirmed death toll of 773 and rising, the implications of this conflict extend beyond immediate violence to encompass long-term challenges for millions displaced in the region. The international community must address this growing crisis to facilitate humanitarian aid and support conflict resolution efforts effectively.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
