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The M23 rebels, who recently took control of Goma, a significant city in eastern Congo, have announced a unilateral ceasefire, citing humanitarian reasons. However, they have not indicated any plans to relinquish their hold on the city, which is located in a region rich in valuable minerals.
Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the M23 rebels, stated, “Our intention is not to advance toward Bukavu or elsewhere. Our focus remains on safeguarding the civilian population and our positions.” This statement underscores the group’s commitment to what they describe as protective measures amidst ongoing conflict.
This ceasefire announcement comes on the heels of a distressing report from the World Health Organization, which confirmed at least 900 fatalities resulting from clashes between the M23 and Congolese military forces last week. Additionally, the UN health agency reported approximately 2,900 injuries during the violence that ensued after the rebels’ seizure of Goma.
Claims of Ethnic Defense
The M23 rebels are reportedly supported by around 4,000 Rwandan troops, significantly more than during their initial capture of Goma in 2012. They represent one of more than 100 armed factions competing for dominance in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region, which is crucial for global technological supply chains.
The rebels assert that they are protecting the ethnic Tutsi population in Congo, amid claims from Rwanda that Tutsis face persecution from Hutus and former militias linked to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda that resulted in the deaths of 800,000 Tutsis.
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WFP reports critical shortages of food and water in Goma, Congo.
The World Food Program has raised alarms over severe shortages of food, potable water, and medical supplies in Goma, where ongoing conflicts have led to widespread displacement and disruption of essential supply routes.
Many Hutus sought refuge in Congo following the Rwandan genocide and have since formed the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda militia. Rwanda asserts that this group has integrated within the Congolese military, which has rebuffed these allegations.
Recent reports suggested that M23 rebels were approaching Bukavu, but their spokesperson denied any plans for an offensive toward that provincial capital.
The Congolese government has not issued a statement in response thus far, though a joint summit involving leaders from regional southern and eastern African blocs is set for later this week, featuring attendance from the presidents of Congo and Rwanda.
Desperate Families Seek Closure
In the meantime, families in Goma are rushing to local morgues in hopes of identifying loved ones, as trucks filled with body bags prepare for burials. Stories of loss are emerging, with individuals expressing profound grief and shock over the violence.
Chiza Nyenyezi recounted her son’s tragic death from a gunshot wound, lamenting the brutal nature of the violence. “He was shot in the back, and it exited from his chest,” she shared, highlighting the human toll of the conflict.
Louise Shalukoma, mourning the loss of her son, detailed the harrowing experience of trying to recover his body amid the chaos, stating that a bomb went off during their attempt to retrieve him.
Overwhelmed Hospitals
The healthcare facilities in Goma are overwhelmed by a surge in patients. Bethesda Hospital has reported receiving over 100 new patients daily, stretching its capacity of 250 beds. Other hospitals in the area, such as Kyeshero, face similar challenges and are often operating well beyond their intended capacity.
Medical professionals are seeing an alarming increase in patients suffering from gunshot wounds. Surgeon Johnny Kasangati mentioned a heavy night shift, stating, “We removed 48 bullets yesterday” while attending to patients under less than ideal conditions.
Past arrangements allowed wounded individuals to be transported to Bukavu, located approximately 180 kilometers south, but ongoing conflicts and a halt in boat services across Lake Kivu have severely hampered these capabilities, forcing hospitals to grapple with emergency situations without adequate resources.
“Goma was cut off from the world. It was a total blackout,” described Virginie Napolitano, the emergency coordinator for Doctors Without Borders in Goma, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by the community. As the stream of injured individuals continues, many are left sharing beds or lying on the floor, awaiting crucial medical attention.
Patrick Bagamuhunda, one of the wounded, expressed the gravity of their situation, stating, “This war has caused a lot of damage, but at least we are still breathing.” His sentiment echoes the resilience amidst the suffering unfolding in Goma, where the people are left to confront the consequences of ongoing violence.
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