Goma Under Siege: The Humanitarian Crisis Amid M23 Rebel Advance

The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have taken control of Goma, displacing many civilians who face extreme danger. Limited options for safety hinder efforts to care for the wounded, leading to overcrowded hospitals. The closure of the airport and frustration towards UN forces amplify the crisis amid ongoing violence and humanitarian challenges in eastern Congo.

The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have launched an offensive against Goma, which lies under siege. As bombings erupt to the north and west, displaced individuals find themselves cornered with no viable escape routes. According to an announcement made early Monday, M23 officials claimed they had taken control of Goma. Many residents have been forced to flee from tents in extensive camps surrounding the city,
where ongoing conflict implicates the Congolese armed forces and the Wazalendo fighters. The situation is described as a prolonged struggle, often termed Africa’s World War.

Terrified citizens in Goma documented their experiences, sharing videos that featured M23 advancing within the city. The rebel group describes their campaign as a means of “liberation.” Meanwhile, some Congolese officers abandoned their posts and military assets amidst the chaos, while others chose to remain and engage in resistance as gunfire reverberated around Goma. The presence of United Nations peacekeeping forces has been noted nearby on Friday.

Hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed, treating a number of victims equal to what would typically require a month to handle. Medical staff have resorted to erecting tents to accommodate the rising patient count. One woman suffered severe wounds from a bomb detonation encountered at an army checkpoint, along with injuries sustained by two of her sisters. In this dire situation, the options for care and safety remain severely limited.

Asifiwe Iragi Rugesha recounted the turmoil of navigating her six children through throngs of fellow displaced families after fleeing bombardments in Kibati. However, the closing net of M23 around Goma leaves little room for optimism. “There is nothing else to do. If M23 comes to Goma, we will die,” she asserted. Unfortunately, the closure of the airport on Sunday contributed to the escalating despair.

Frustration towards the United Nations peacekeeping body, known as MONUSCO, has grown in Goma, with citizens feeling a sense of betrayal. Patrick Amani, a local taxi driver, expressed his disdain, stating, “They have betrayed the Congolese people.” Similarly, Sifa Kigugo, clutching her newborn, lamented, “I do not know where to go.” The city’s power and water supplies were curtailed, leaving the injured stranded in darkness amidst the that gunfire encroaches ever closer.

The displaced individuals from Saké, who have suffered injuries from shrapnel bombs, crowd the Ndosho hospital in Goma, further underscoring the humanitarian crisis at hand.

The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has persisted for decades and has become a prominent humanitarian crisis. This area has frequently experienced violence from various armed groups, substantially influenced by neighboring Rwanda’s involvement. The M23 rebels’ actions have exacerbated the situation, leading to significant civilian displacement and instability. As the fighting continues, numerous families find themselves with limited options for safety and care, drawing international attention to the desperation faced by the Congolese people.

The situation in Goma is dire, with M23 rebels tightening their grip on the city while the local population faces increasing danger and displacement. With the closure of hospitals and the imminent threat of violence, families are struggling to find refuge and support. The lack of effective intervention from international peacekeeping forces raises serious concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for immediate action to protect vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com