Goma residents are facing extreme hunger and fear after the M23 rebel group took over, cutting off food supplies and essential services. As fighting subsides, some locals express conflicting feelings about M23’s intentions, while the humanitarian crisis deepens, prompting urgent calls for aid and a peaceful resolution.
The residents of Goma, a city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo bordering Rwanda, are grappling with intense hunger and fear following the recent takeover by the M23 rebel group. Judith Saima, a 28-year-old merchant, expressed her despair, stating, “We are very afraid. This situation feels hopeless.” The heavy fighting that previously isolated the city has only recently subsided, leaving numerous fatalities in its wake.
Food scarcity has become a critical issue for Goma’s population, as trade and agricultural routes have been disrupted. Ngise Ngeleka, a local student, lamented a neighbor’s untimely death from gunfire, with the body remaining uncollected amidst the chaos. Adeline Tuma, a mother, shared her struggle: “We have nothing left to eat. My children cry from hunger. I curse this war. A new, grim chapter of our lives begins.”
The occupation has hindered traditional supply routes; travel by boat has been restricted since M23 captured Minova, a key port. Additionally, a crucial border crossing to Gisenyi, Rwanda, has been obstructed. Residents’ access to essential services, including water and electricity, was severed but has seen a tentative restoration in recent days.
M23 is the latest in a series of ethnic Tutsi-led groups that have been active in Eastern DRC, a region rich in natural resources since a 2003 peace agreement aimed to quell prolonged violence. Although Rwanda claims its involvement is to eliminate militia linked to the 1994 genocide, the Congolese government accuses it of exploiting the region’s mineral wealth. Human rights abuses have been reported on both sides during the recent conflicts.
The memories of the last M23 occupation in 2012 haunt many residents, as their current plight appears graver. One local remarked on the depth of suffering compared to previous conflicts, highlighting the extended bombardment and fear residents now experience. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and humanitarian efforts have stalled, leading several organizations to call for an end to hostilities.
According to the World Health Organization, the recent conflict has resulted in at least 45 deaths and over 2,000 injuries in Goma. In the aftermath, abandoned military uniforms have been appropriated by street children, further exacerbating the region’s instability. On a more optimistic note, M23 has expressed intentions to provide security and restore normalcy, with promises to facilitate children’s education and establish humanitarian aid.
As the situation unfolds, a possible resurgence of the chaotic conditions seen in the late 20th century looms large, particularly regarding foreign interventions by Rwanda and Uganda. Some residents view M23’s presence favorably, with a United Nations official noting some support for their governance if peace and trade can be restored. Observers are divided, with sentiments emerging that the Congolese government has failed to safeguard its citizens.
Dr. Olakire Senga voiced a controversial but increasingly common perspective, stating, “I think we need to assess the maturity of those arriving and join them. Personally, I went out to welcome them.” The ongoing conflict in Goma underscores the complexities of regional politics and the desperate need for humanitarian relief.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced decades of violence, particularly in its eastern regions rich in minerals. The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has been implicated in numerous conflicts linked to the exploitation of these resources. This situation has resulted in widespread human rights violations and significant loss of life. The current humanitarian crisis in Goma is compounded by recent fighting, which reintroduced fears of the past when the M23 occupied the city previously. The implications of foreign interference and internal government challenges continue to affect the region’s stability and prosperity, exacerbating local grievances and community suffering.
The unfolding situation in Goma illustrates the dire consequences of armed conflict and the desperate humanitarian needs of its residents. With M23’s emergence rekindling fear among locals, the ongoing violence presents significant challenges for stability and relief efforts. The international community’s response remains crucial in addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and supporting long-term solutions to the underlying conflict.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
