Fear grips residents of Goma as M23 fighters advance, leading to widespread displacement from captured Minova. The Congolese army has implemented measures to counter the threat, including suspending boat movement and deploying heavy artillery. Camps around Goma are overwhelmed with over 100,000 displaced individuals, living in dire conditions. Despite distant gunfire, daily life in downtown Goma persists as the border with Rwanda remains open.
Displaced individuals trudged to downtown Goma on Wednesday as they fled the advancing M23 fighters in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Many have fled from Minova, a city captured by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group, which is rapidly seizing territory from the Congolese army. This ongoing conflict has forced individuals to relocate multiple times over the last three decades, with increased M23 activities since 2021 compounding their fear and uncertainty.
Following the capture of Minova, located approximately 20 kilometers west of Goma, the M23 tightened its grip around the key city. The Congolese army now finds its forces separated from M23 by just a narrow stretch of water. Efforts to counter the threat included halting small boat movements on the lake to prevent enemy infiltration and deploying heavy artillery near Nzulo and surrounding displaced person camps, leading to a significant exodus of civilians.
As the violence escalated, early Wednesday saw an influx of displaced people joining others fleeing from army-controlled areas due to fears of renewed confrontations. Some managed to find refuge with families in the city center while others spread out into various camps surrounding Goma, which is now home to over 100,000 individuals living in dire humanitarian conditions. Residents of the Sam Sam camp, located a short distance from areas likely to be targeted next, express their growing concern over their safety.
“Even if the situation persists, we will have to leave for Goma city,” said Kadibanga Batungi, a worried resident of the Sam Sam camp. Despite the camp’s current population being manageable, the arrival of approximately 500 newly displaced individuals from Minova has increased pressure on resources and living conditions. Aid agencies struggle to assist due to the ongoing violence and associated risks, leaving the displaced to fend for themselves.
In downtown Goma, although the sounds of distant gunfire are heard intermittently, life appears to continue as normal, with open shops and vigilant police and military presence. Furthermore, despite diplomatic tensions, the border with Rwanda remains operational, allowing movement between the two nations for their populations. The situation is precarious, with many residents anxiously monitoring the M23’s advances and the government’s response.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced prolonged conflict for over 30 years, primarily due to various armed groups, including the M23, that have sought control over territory. The M23, comprised largely of ethnic Tutsi fighters, has engaged in hostilities against the Congolese army, leading to significant displacement and humanitarian crises. The recent capture of Minova port city marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle, as control of key locations significantly impacts the conflict dynamics in the region.
In summary, ongoing advancements by M23 fighters near Goma have resulted in significant civilian displacement, raising fears among individuals fleeing violence in the region. The Congolese army’s efforts to halt the M23’s advance have been met with challenges, leading to an increasingly precarious humanitarian situation as over 100,000 displaced persons seek refuge. Despite the turmoil, daily life in downtown Goma continues, underscoring the complex nature of the crisis affecting Eastern Congo.
Original Source: www.france24.com
