Human Rights Concerns Escalate as M23 Rebels Take Control of Goma
M23 rebels’ capture of Goma raises significant concerns for civilian safety, prompting Human Rights Watch to warn of potential human rights violations. With over 400,000 displaced this year, the conflict reflects complex tribal dimensions and public support for M23. Calls for an end to hostilities are echoed by international authorities, but the road to peace remains obstructed by past grievances and current realities.
Human Rights Watch has raised alarm about the safety of civilians in the eastern Congolese city of Goma following its capture by M23 rebels. The ongoing conflict has generated significant displacement, with the United Nations reporting over 400,000 people forced to flee this year alone. The rights organization warns that the situation threatens civilian lives further and anticipates additional displacements resulting from the rebel group’s control of the city.
Reports from residents indicated the presence of M23 rebels patrolling Goma, with some individuals appearing to support the fighters. Blaise Karege, a political and security researcher, noted an apparent shift in public sentiment, highlighting a mix of genuine support and fear among the locals. He remarked that, unlike previous conflicts primarily defined by political struggles, the current discord involves a tribal dimension, leading to substantial local backing for M23.
M23 began its offensive to capture Goma weeks prior, focusing its advance on areas near the Rwandan border, amid widespread allegations of Rwandan backing—allegations the Rwandan government denies. Local sources reported that Congolese army forces and allied militias have retreated, leaving behind some soldiers in civilian attire who surrendered their weapons to the U.N. mission in the city.
The humanitarian situation remains precarious, with Human Rights Watch expressing grave concerns over civilian safety, particularly given that many had sought refuge in Goma from violence perpetuated by various armed factions, including M23. Senior researcher Clementine de Montjoye highlighted the alarming frequency of documented rights abuses such as extrajudicial killings and sexual violence, occurring amid reports of looting by the allied Wazalendo militia.
According to M23, its military actions aim to shield communities subjected to abuses by the Congolese army and other militant groups. In contrast, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged M23 to halt hostilities and withdraw from eastern Congo’s occupied regions, yet observers like Karege indicate that the group is unlikely to vacate Goma easily, framing its presence as protective for local families.
M23’s initial takeover of Goma occurred in 2012, but the group withdrew after signing a peace agreement with the Congolese government. Following a resurgence of hostilities in 2021, M23 accused the government of violating previous accords, while the Kinshasa authorities demand disarmament before negotiating any new agreements.
The situation in Goma reflects longstanding tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where various armed groups, including M23, operate amid complex political and tribal dynamics. The region has been characterized by a history of conflict fueled by ethnic rivalries, government instability, and external influences, particularly from neighboring Rwanda. Human Rights Watch has frequently documented human rights abuses in the area, underscoring the dire humanitarian conditions faced by civilians caught in the crossfire of these hostilities. Goma, as a strategic city with significant internal displacement, exemplifies the broader challenges of peace and security in the DRC.
The situation in Goma reveals a precarious balance between armed forces and civilian safety amid escalating conflict. With M23’s takeover raising concerns over human rights violations and potential further displacement, the international community’s attention is essential. As calls for peace discussions grow louder, the complicated relationship between local support for M23 and the need for disarmament presents a significant challenge for restoring stability in eastern Congo.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
