The conflict in Goma has left families devastated, exemplified by the story of Heshima, a wounded boy whose parents were killed in rebel violence. The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have taken control of key areas, resulting in thousands of casualties and a humanitarian crisis marked by widespread displacement and fear. Despite promises of peace from M23 leaders, many displaced individuals face an uncertain future as they are forced to leave makeshift camps with no homes to return to.
In Goma city, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the plight of a 13-year-old boy named Heshima exemplifies the devastation wrought by the M23 rebels. With a bandaged stump for a leg and burn scars adorning his stomach, Heshima grieves for his parents, who were killed amidst the chaos. His relative, Tantine, describes the harrowing Sunday when fighting between the M23 and the Congolese army resulted in the loss of six family members.
The M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan forces, have rapidly advanced since early 2022, capturing key cities in the region renowned for its mineral resources. The United Nations reports that Rwanda has significant control over the rebel group, an assertion that the Rwandan government denies. The battles have left significant casualties, with estimates concluding nearly 3,000 fatalities and overwhelming pressure on local hospitals, particularly Ndosho Hospital, which has faced a continuous influx of wounded civilians and soldiers.
Amid these conditions, the streets of Goma seem deceptively normal, with local markets bustling and shops operating. However, the pervasive influence of the M23 indicates that people are under strict control, leading to a mixture of resignation and fear among the populace. While some citizens speak of accepting any ruler if they promise peace, there remains a palpable anxiety regarding the future and potential reprisals from the M23 rebel leaders.
M23 officials have assured the public of their intent to foster peace and stability. Willy Manzi, a newly appointed rebel governor, promises a future devoid of corruption and hunger. In contrast, tens of thousands of internally displaced individuals in makeshift camps have received urgent demands from the M23, effectively expelling them from the only refuge they have left.
Those in the camps, like Divine and her family, are devastated as they face an uncertain future with no homes to return to, amidst fears of hunger and further violence. Reports from human rights organizations highlight a disturbing pattern of abuses committed by both the M23 and the Congolese army, complicating an already fraught humanitarian crisis rooted in decades of conflict.
The ongoing struggle for DRC’s vast mineral wealth, exacerbated by historical grievances tied to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, raises concerns about a potential resurgence of regional warfare. As families like Alphonsine’s contemplate a return to destroyed homes, the promise of mineral riches remains unlikely to improve the lives of those most affected by the ongoing violence in Goma.
The conflict in Goma illustrates a complex and dire humanitarian crisis. The M23 rebels, in their pursuit of territory and power, have caused widespread devastation, resulting in significant casualties, displacements, and suffering. As local populations grapple with the reality of their circumstances, fears of reprisals and an uncertain future loom large, raising critical questions about the prospects for peace and stability in the region. The historical context of these tensions further complicates the situation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
