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Violence Erupts in Goma as Rebels Capture City, Leaving Death Toll Soaring
Recent clashes in Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), have resulted in at least 773 fatalities and almost 2,900 injuries, according to Congolese officials. The violence, driven by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, marks a major escalation in a protracted conflict that has plagued the region for over a decade.
Speaking in Kinshasa, government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya highlighted that these casualty figures are preliminary and could potentially rise. He noted the grim reality as families faced the aftermath of violence, with mass graves likely obscured from view due to rebel orders for residents to clear the streets.
As residents began to return to Goma, they encountered neighborhoods littered with debris and remnants of the conflict. The rebels have promised to restore essential services, such as water and electricity, prompting some displaced individuals to navigate back to their homes amid the pervasive scent of blood and destruction.
“I feel lost and weary; there are mourners at every corner,” expressed Jean Marcus, a 25-year-old resident mourning the loss of a family member to the fighting.
Armed Groups Compete for Control
The M23 faction stands out among the numerous armed groups vying for supremacy in the region, which is rich in mineral resources essential to global technology. UN experts estimate that around 4,000 Rwandan troops are backing the M23, a notable increase since their initial takeover of Goma in 2012, which was fueled by ethnic tensions.
Military Struggles and Humanitarian Crises
Amid the chaos, the Congolese military has undertaken a counter-offensive, successfully reclaiming villages such as Sanzi and Mukwidja from the rebels in South Kivu’s Kalehe territory. However, the military’s capabilities have diminished, suffering heavy losses and reportedly losing mercenaries to the advancing rebel forces.
UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix indicated that M23 rebels are advancing quickly, now situated approximately 37 miles north of Bukavu, South Kivu’s provincial capital. He noted that their capture of strategic locations like nearby airports could significantly impact the region’s stability.
The humanitarian situation in Goma has deteriorated sharply, with the city acting as a critical hub for millions displaced by ongoing violence. Non-governmental organizations have raised alarms about the burgeoning crisis as the M23 rebels express aspirations to expand their control all the way to Kinshasa, located 1,000 miles to the west.
Human Rights Violations and Ongoing Challenges
Recent reports from the UN illustrate the extent of human rights violations accompanying the conflict. Allegations of extrajudicial killings and forced conscription have emerged, with accounts of M23 executing at least 12 individuals and commandeering schools and hospitals for military purposes. Civilians have faced forced labor conditions, compounding the impact of the violence.
Moreover, reports of sexual violence involving Congolese forces have surfaced, with claims that troops raped 52 women in South Kivu. This alarming trend raises significant concerns about the safety and rights of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Humanitarian efforts have effectively come to a halt, leaving many communities isolated and unsupported. Rose Tchwenko, country director for Mercy Corps, articulated the grim reality of the situation: “The escalation toward Bukavu heightens fears of a prolonged crisis, cutting off essential aid and leaving entire communities without resources.”
As the situation continues to unfold, the future for Goma and its people remains uncertain, with the international community closely monitoring developments that may further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo.
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www.theguardian.com