Escalating Conflict Forces Displacement in Goma, DR Congo
The M23 armed group has captured Minova, intensifying fears among residents of Goma, DR Congo. Displaced individuals are seeking refuge amid worsening humanitarian conditions. The Congolese army has responded with increased military presence, while aid interventions remain limited. Civilians express anxiety about their uncertain future as conflicts escalate.
Residents of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are experiencing widespread fear as the M23 armed group, backed by Rwanda, tightens its grip on the area. Many have fled from the recently captured port city of Minova, seeking refuge amid ongoing violence that has displaced people multiple times over the last 30 years. Displaced person Anuarite Nabintu expressed the anxiety felt by many: “Everywhere we go, we find ourselves in an uncertain situation.”
The M23 has effectively surrounded Goma, with its forces now just a narrow stretch of water away from the Congolese army’s positions. Previously held territory has been lost, which has led to increased military activities by the Congolese army, including heavy artillery deployment. In an effort to thwart infiltrations, small boat movements on the lake have been suspended, causing a significant exodus of the local population from camps near potential conflict zones.
Many of the displaced individuals have found temporary shelter with families in Goma or have settled into overcrowded camps struggling with dire humanitarian conditions. Recently, 500 new arrivals from Minova have added to the strain in the Sam Sam camp, where residents fear the impact of the encroaching M23 forces. Kadibanga Batungi, a camp resident, expressed concern that continued hostilities would force even those who currently feel secure to evacuate into the city.
The hardships faced by displaced families are exacerbated by insufficient aid efforts due to the dangerous conditions that hinder humanitarian assistance. David Bonzi, who fled from Masisi, voiced frustration and despair, stating, “We left our households, our children, our property. We do not know what the government is doing.” Meanwhile, downtown Goma maintains a semblance of normalcy, with local businesses operational despite the occasional sound of weaponry.
Despite ongoing conflicts and regional tensions, the border between the DRC and Rwanda remains open, allowing for movement between the two countries. The situation remains precarious, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention and support for those displaced by violence.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has persisted for over three decades and is heavily influenced by ethnic tensions, particularly involving factions such as the M23, which is predominantly composed of ethnic Tutsi fighters. The region has been characterized by cycles of violence, displacements, and power struggles, often exacerbated by the involvement of neighboring Rwanda. As the M23 seizes control of key territories, like Minova, the security and humanitarian crises intensify, leaving local populations vulnerable and in desperate need of assistance. The Congolese army’s fluctuating control and its responses to M23 advancements further complicate the situation for civilians caught in the crossfire.
The escalation of conflict in Goma, DR Congo, due to the advances of the M23 armed group, poses a serious humanitarian crisis for residents and displaced individuals alike. With increasing military actions and limited aid availability, the situation for internally displaced persons remains dire, raising significant concerns for their safety and well-being. The continued presence of M23 forces necessitates urgent attention and intervention to ensure the protection and assistance of vulnerable populations in Goma and the surrounding areas.
Original Source: www.france24.com
