Devastation in Goma: Families Affected by M23 Rebel Advances

The conflict in Goma, DR Congo, involves M23 rebels who have gained significant control in the region, supported allegedly by Rwanda. The conflict has wounded many, including young Heshima, who lost his parents and his legs. Displaced families face further uncertainty as M23 pressures them to vacate camps. The humanitarian crisis grows amidst fears of escalating violence due to competition over the region’s rich mineral resources.

In Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the ongoing conflict with M23 rebels has left families shattered and communities in turmoil. Among the affected is 13-year-old Heshima, who is undergoing treatment after losing both his legs and his parents in an attack attributed to M23 rebels, who are allegedly supported by Rwanda. His relative, Tantine, recounts the tragic events of an airstrike that claimed the lives of six family members during a Sunday skirmish with the Congolese army (FARDC).

The M23 rebels have gained control of significant areas, including Goma since early 2022, framing their actions as a fight for freedom against a faltering state under President Félix Tshisekedi. Reports indicate that Rwanda has de facto control over the rebels, a claim denied by the Rwandan government. As the M23 continues their advance, hospitals like Ndosho are overwhelmed with casualties resulting from the conflict. Doctors face immense challenges, treating a surge in injured civilians and soldiers, peaking at 150 patients daily during the peak of violence.

Street life in Goma seems to continue amidst the chaos, with markets bustling despite the M23’s control remaining largely unchallenged. Local sentiment diverges; while some residents wish for stability even under the rebel rule, others express trepidation about the future. Reports indicate a culture of self-censorship among journalists, as people remain cautious about how they express dissent or concern toward the new authorities.

Despite M23’s claims of fostering peace and development, thousands displaced by violence are coerced to vacate refugee camps, further exacerbating their plight. Divine, a 19-year-old mother, voices the fears shared by many as they grapple with uncertainty regarding their futures. M23’s ultimatum to dismantle the camps has sparked panic among the displaced, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding the rebel governance.

The conflict’s roots can be traced back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, leading to ongoing tensions and disputes over mineral wealth in the region. Critics voice fears that the competition for valuable resources could ignite further regional conflicts, endangering peace in central Africa. Alphonsine, leaving Bulengo camp with her family, exemplifies the despair faced by many displaced individuals compelled to return to ruins and uncertainty, stating, “I came from suffering, and I leave in suffering.”

The ongoing conflict between M23 rebels and the Congolese army continues to devastate communities in Goma and surrounding areas. Thousands of civilians are affected, facing uncertain futures amid heightened tensions and displacement. Despite the M23’s claims of seeking peace, significant challenges remain for the populations caught in the conflict, with fears that resource competition may lead to further violence in the region. The humanitarian crisis unfolds as families like Heshima’s and Alphonsine’s face immense hardships, illustrating the urgent need for resolution and aid.

Original Source: www.bbc.com