The AFC-M23 rebels, supported by Rwandan troops, captured Goma and Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, leading to the emergence of a parallel regime. This new order includes the forced return of displaced individuals without support, demonstrating the rebels’ attempt at establishing control. Documented by Paloma Laudet, the consequences for local populations highlight the ongoing human impact of this conflict.
In the wake of the capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, by AFC-M23 rebels on January 28, the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has become increasingly tense. The M23 forces, supported by approximately 4,000 troops from the Rwandan Defense Forces, swiftly advanced, taking Bukavu two weeks later with minimal resistance, underscoring the ineffective nature of the DRC’s armed forces, known as FARDC.
With the establishment of control in these regions, the M23 and its political wing, AFC, are attempting to create an alternative regime that challenges the authority of President Félix Tshisekedi, who has held office since 2019. This shift in power has led to the forced relocation of internally displaced persons, who were settled in camps since the resurgence of conflict in November 2021. This policy aims to mitigate security concerns while asserting the new regime’s control.
The evacuation of these camps, however, is occurring without adequate guarantees or support for those being displaced. Photographer Paloma Laudet has documented the impact of this transition on local communities as power shifts from government forces to the M23. Through her lens, she explores the broader consequences of a new order that is taking root from Goma to Bukavu, encompassing towns such as Monigi and Minova.
The current crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is characterized by rapid changes in power dynamics, as the M23 rebels solidify their control over key areas with the backing of foreign troops. The forced relocation of displaced persons reflects the regime’s attempts to establish a semblance of stability, albeit one fraught with challenges and uncertainty. The documentation of these events by photographers like Paloma Laudet offers critical insights into the human impact of this conflict, illuminating the struggles faced by local populations amidst this upheaval.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
