Civilians Trapped as M23 Rebels Capture Goma: A Dire Humanitarian Crisis

M23 rebels backed by Rwanda captured Goma, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Civilians are trapped and displaced, escaping bombardment but find little safety as rebel forces approach. Amidst overcrowded hospitals and growing frustration towards UN peacekeepers, the situation remains urgent and dire for the residents of Goma.

The M23 rebels, receiving support from Rwanda, have aggressively advanced on Goma, leaving the population trapped with no escape options as the city falls under siege. Early on Monday, the M23 announced their successful capture of Goma, exacerbating the crisis for those already fleeing violence. Many residents, having previously sought sanctuary in camps, are now faced with renewed threats from rebel forces, designated by M23 as a ‘liberation’ campaign.

In this ongoing conflict, which has persisted for decades and is often referred to as Africa’s World War, numerous Congolese soldiers are abandoning their posts while some remain to engage in combat around Goma. Amid the chaos, hospitals have become overcrowded, struggling to accommodate the influx of the wounded. As families like that of Asifiwe Iragi Rugesha navigate through the turmoil with their children, they remain uncertain about their safety in Goma as rebel forces advance closer.

With the closure of the local airport and ongoing hostilities, residents express deep frustration with the United Nations peacekeepers, known as MONUSCO, accusing them of abandoning the Congolese people in their time of need. Asifiwe Iragi Rugesha decries the dire situation, stating, “There is nothing else to do.” Fear mounts among the displaced populations, who now lay injured and vulnerable in dark, unlit hospital rooms as gunfire intensifies outside.

The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo primarily involves the M23 rebels, who are backed by Rwanda and are engaged in hostilities against the Congolese armed forces and local militias known as Wazalendo. The region has been marred by violence for decades, prompting widespread displacement and humanitarian crises. The situation escalated further as M23 advanced towards Goma, resulting in significant civilian suffering and disruption in health services.

The situation in Goma illustrates the severe human cost of protracted conflict, as residents face both immediate dangers from ongoing violence and long-term challenges related to displacement and access to health care. The disillusionment with international peacekeeping efforts highlights the urgent need for effective intervention and support for the affected populations. As the rebel forces continue their advance, the plight of civilians remains dire and calls for immediate action.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com