Over 110,000 Displaced in Eastern Congo Amid M23 Rebel Actions
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo have forcibly closed settlement camps, displacing over 110,000 people amid escalating violence. The shutdown follows a significant military advance that has caused at least 2,000 deaths. Reports indicate that many individuals have been driven to more remote areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, with ongoing fighting despite declared ceasefires.
In eastern Congo, over 110,000 individuals have been displaced as M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have forcibly closed settlement camps, according to reports from the United Nations and local sources. This closure has come amid escalating violence, particularly after M23’s significant capture of Goma, the largest city in the region, in late January, which has resulted in an estimated 2,000 casualties.
The rebels issued a 72-hour ultimatum for displaced individuals to vacate settlement camps and return to their villages, with the UN’s humanitarian coordination agency, OCHA, stating that while the rebels claimed these returns should be voluntary, the social unrest has led many to leave towards remote areas lacking aid. This movement has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region, with aid organizations expressing deep concern for the well-being of these displaced families.
Eyewitness accounts from AP journalists depict families dismantling their makeshift shelters while packing their meager belongings. Displaced individuals like Sibomana Safari expressed disbelief at being forced to leave, stating, “We all are leaving without any help (and) I don’t know if we’re going to make it,” underlining the desperate conditions faced by these populations.
Currently, more than 500,000 individuals have been displaced due to the M23’s advance, severely straining already scarce resources in Goma, which previously accommodated nearly one million displaced people before the recent escalation. Emergency responders, such as Oonagh Curry from Doctors Without Borders, emphasized the urgent need for continued humanitarian aid and warned that a sudden influx of displaced persons could worsen an existing crisis.
Despite a declared ceasefire by the M23, clashes between rebel forces and government troops have persisted, with reports of ongoing violence in regional centers like Bukavu. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka raised alarms about escalating threats in the area, asserting a commitment to protect local populations in response to the violence.
This situation remains fluid and precarious, deserving significant attention from the international community as thousands face uncertainties regarding their safety and basic necessities.
In conclusion, the accelerating conflict in eastern Congo has led to substantial displacement and humanitarian crises, particularly affecting vulnerable populations pushed from camps by M23 rebels. The urgency for aid and protection remains critical as the possibility of further violence continues to loom in the region. Diplomatic and humanitarian efforts must be intensified to address both the immediate and long-term needs of affected families.
Original Source: apnews.com
