Goma Under Siege: The Crisis of Displacement Amid M23 Advance
M23 rebels have seized Goma, escalating violence and displacing many civilians. As the conflict intensifies, residents express frustration towards U.N. peacekeeping forces, feeling abandoned as bombings continue. The humanitarian crisis worsens with hospitals overwhelmed and essential services cut off, leaving many wounded and vulnerable without clear options for safety.
In Goma, a city under siege by M23 rebels, the situation has escalated perilously. Bombardments to the north and west forced many residents, already displaced by ongoing conflicts, to seek refuge in the city rather than safety. On Monday morning, M23 announced its takeover of Goma, which sparked panic among terrified civilians who shared videos of rebels moving through the city, branding their advance as a ‘liberation.’
The escalation of violence has left many Congolese citizens in a dire predicament. With some soldiers abandoning their posts while others stayed to confront the advancing rebels, chaos ensued. United Nations peacekeeping forces, stationed nearby, witnessed the turmoil, as the local hospital struggled to accommodate a sudden influx of patients, an indication of the grave humanitarian crisis.
Among those trapped in the conflict is Asifiwe Iragi Rugesha, who navigated her six children through distressing crowds after fleeing bombings. With the rebels encroaching upon Goma, she expressed her sense of helplessness, stating the lack of alternatives in the face of impending doom. Alongside her struggles, many expressed disillusionment with U.N. forces, feeling abandoned amid escalating violence.
The situation worsened when Goma’s airport was shut down, further limiting escape routes for those in peril. Residents voiced their frustrations against MONUSCO, the U.N. peacekeeping force, accusing it of failing to safeguard the Congolese population during this critical juncture. As the power and water supplies to Goma were cut and gunfire echoed through the streets, many wounded individuals lay in dark hospital wards, uncertain of what lay ahead.
The ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo has persisted for decades, largely fueled by battles between government forces and various armed groups, including M23, backed by Rwanda. This historical context highlights the complex nature of violence in the region, which has devastating effects on civilian life. With the United Nations peacekeepers present for over twenty-five years, the deteriorating situation raises questions about their effectiveness in ensuring peace and safety for local communities amid renewed hostilities.
The dire circumstances faced by Goma’s residents underscore the profound humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the M23 advance. As families seek refuge from violence, health care facilities struggle to cope with the influx of wounded while critical infrastructures fail. The discontent directed towards U.N. peacekeepers illustrates the perceived inadequacies of international support. Thus, the fight for survival continues amidst desperation and fear of an uncertain future.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
