Human Rights Watch has expressed grave concerns for civilians in Goma following the takeover by M23 rebels, which has escalated risks and could lead to additional displacements. Since the start of 2023, fighting has resulted in the displacement of 400,000 people. The situation reflects shifting local support for M23 while raising alarms about potential human rights abuses. UN Secretary-General has urged the group to cease hostilities and seek peace, yet the outlook remains dire for the affected population.
Human Rights Watch has issued a warning regarding the heightened risks faced by civilians in Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following the takeover by M23 rebels. Since the beginning of this year, clashes between M23 and DRC forces have resulted in the displacement of 400,000 individuals, a UN report indicated. The group’s control over Goma is expected to endanger more civilian lives and lead to further displacements.
Video footage shared by Goma residents depicts M23 fighters patrolling the streets, with some individuals appearing to support the rebels. Blaise Karege, a political and security researcher, observed that the perception of M23 has shifted among locals, who now seem to express both fear and support for the group. He noted, “The residents are singing in the streets, and they are behind the rebel group.”
M23 initiated a campaign to capture Goma weeks prior, targeting areas near the Rwandan border, which is alleged to support the rebels—an assertion that the Rwandan government has denied. Reports suggest that Congolese army forces and their allied militias have retreated from the city. Additionally, the UN mission in Goma indicated that some personnel had surrendered their weapons, some in uniform and others in plain clothes.
Clementine de Montjoye, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, expressed profound concern for the safety of civilians, many of whom sought refuge in Goma from violent armed groups. “We have documented extensively how they have executed people. There have been cases of rapes, gang rapes, arbitrary detention, and extortion,” she stated. M23 is also accused of committing similar abuses against civilians since their resurgence.
The rebel group asserts that their fight aims to safeguard communities against attacks from the Congolese army and affiliated militias. In a call for peaceful resolution, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged M23 to cease hostilities and withdraw from occupied regions in eastern Congo, but Karege suggested the group is unlikely to retreat voluntarily, citing their claims of protecting local families.
M23 first gained control of Goma in 2012 but exited after a peace agreement with the Congolese government. The group resumed offensive actions in 2021, claiming the government had not honored past agreements, while Kinshasa has demanded disarmament as a prerequisite for any negotiations.
The situation in eastern Congo has been tense, particularly in the city of Goma, where the M23 rebel group has recently asserted control. This conflict primarily revolves around issues of governance, tribal tensions, and accusations of ethnic favoritism. The involvement of neighboring Rwanda, along with the disarray of local Congolese military forces, has exacerbated the crisis. The ongoing violence has led to substantial humanitarian concerns, including mass displacement and potential violations of human rights. Public perceptions of rebel action in the area show a complex dynamic where fear and perhaps fleeting support coexist among civilians. International human rights organizations are increasingly documenting the abuses committed by all parties involved, escalating concerns about the welfare of the local population amidst this turmoil. The demand for peace and stability continues but faces challenges due to deep-rooted issues within the region, such as unresolved grievances dating back to earlier conflicts and ineffective governance. Negotiations remain stalled, amplifying fears for the future safety of civilians caught in the crossfire.
The capture of Goma by the M23 rebels raises serious concerns regarding the safety of civilians in the region, especially given the documented history of human rights abuses by armed groups. The situation is complicated by local perceptions of the rebels, who are viewed with a mix of fear and support. Despite calls for peace from the international community, the potential for further violence and displacement remains high, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive conflict resolution strategies. The prolonged instability in eastern Congo calls for increased international attention and robust humanitarian support to protect the vulnerable civilian population from the repercussions of ongoing armed conflict.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
