The city of Goma, situated in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has recently witnessed a significant escalation in violence as M23 rebels have seized control, leading to widespread displacement and fear among its residents.
Mass Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing conflict has forced tens of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to flee their homes. Many families, like that of Mary Ashuza, a farmer and mother of five, have been uprooted from their villages due to the advancing M23 rebels and violent clashes with the Congolese army. Ashuza’s family, originally from South Kivu, sought refuge in Goma, only to find themselves fleeing again as M23 fighters took control of the city.
Escalation of Violence
Since M23 launched a concerted effort to capture Goma on January 26, 2025, the situation has deteriorated rapidly. Reports indicate that over 700 people have been killed and nearly 3,000 wounded during the fighting. The recent takeover has turned Goma into a „veritable centre” of human despair, as described by local residents.
Life Under Siege
As the fighting raged, essential services such as electricity and water supplies were disrupted. Many shops closed, and a sense of desperation led some residents to looting, including the ransacking of a warehouse belonging to the UN’s World Food Programme.
Return to Normalcy or Fear of Reprisals?
In the aftermath of the conflict, while some residents expressed relief at the reduced military presence, others remain apprehensive about the future. The new authorities, affiliated with M23, have called for communal labor to clean the streets—a move that has been met with compliance from the population, driven by a desire to restore some semblance of normalcy.
International Reactions and Concerns
The international community has condemned the M23’s actions and raised alarms over Rwanda’s alleged support for the group. The UN has accused both the M23 and the Congolese army of serious human rights abuses, further complicating the already fragile situation in the region.
Conclusion
As Goma navigates this tumultuous period, the voices of its residents echo a common plea: the yearning for peace and security. Many, like Ashuza, are left contemplating their futures amidst the lingering fear of violence and the hope for a return to their homes.
„`
