Scars of War: Goma’s Ongoing Struggle in Eastern DR Congo
Following the recent control of Goma by the M23 rebel group, life in the eastern DRC city faces severe disruptions, reminiscent of past turmoil. Ongoing violence and humanitarian crises persist, with staggering death tolls reported. Regions surrounding Goma continue to confront dangerous conditions and an overwhelmed healthcare system. Despite calls for peace, the situation in eastern DRC remains perilous as residents live amidst the ruins of past conflicts.
GOMA, DR Congo, May 14 (Xinhua) – The tense atmosphere in Goma, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has descended from its once vibrant days, now overshadowed by the ongoing struggles of its residents. With the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group taking control of the city over three months ago, daily routines have been severely disrupted and peace seems a distant hope.
It was on January 27 that M23 fighters advanced into Goma, claiming the city at a moment that echoes the turmoil experienced during a similar takeover in 2012. This traumatic event left scars on a population of over two million, drawing memories of heavy shelling and violence that erupted into what became known as a war zone. Tragically, the conflict has resulted in more than 8,500 deaths and almost 5,600 injuries, as Government sources reported, with displaced individuals suffering intensely from the ongoing strife.
Though M23 declared a “humanitarian ceasefire” on February 4, violence has persisted throughout North and South Kivu provinces. The militant group captured Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, while building a network of frontline positions, raising concerns among experts that this stage of conflict might be more entrenched than any in the past. Notably, Corneille Nangaa, former electoral chief, has ominously stated his intent to “liberate the entire country,” even eyeing Kinshasa, the capital.
The quiet that followed Goma’s seizure was deceptive; while gunfire may have ceased, chaos swiftly filled the vacuum. Formerly bustling markets now display an eerie quiet, with commercial activities crippled due to a near-collapse of the banking system. Rising crime, especially at night, has put further pressure on the frightened populace. The M23 group’s emergence has led to road tolls and checkpoints, while government institutions seem nearly non-existent.
As for humanitarian impacts, the numbers are stark. The International Organization for Migration has indicated that more than 1.2 million people have been newly displaced since January in the Kivu regions. Many who sought refuge in Goma have fled once more, demonstrating a heartbreaking cycle of displacement.
Adding to this, in early February, the M23 issued an ultimatum that led to significant evacuations of displacement camps like Bulengo and Lushagala, pushing families out with barely anything. They returned to find homes destroyed, plots burnt and roads untraversable. Such conditions showcase the devastating nature of the unrest.
Sake, a town situated approximately 27 kilometers west of Goma, remains key in the conflict occurring between M23 and Congolese forces, with some local militia support. The casualties have left this town battered, showcasing the brutality of street-by-street combat. Currently, unresolved dangers are present; unexploded ordnance can be found in the surrounding fields, posing lethal threats. Local resident Christian Kabuya expressed concerns, stating, “We’ve found live shells in over ten locations,” lamenting deaths from accidental explosions.
The only hospital still treating the injured, Ndosho Hospital in western Goma, is under immense strain. Backed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), its resources are being stretched thin by incoming wounded patients. Veteran ICRC worker Taoffic Mohamed Toure remarked on the complexity of the situation, emphasizing, “The sheer number of actors and the recurring violence make eastern Congo one of the most challenging places we operate.”
As diplomatic talks seem to stall, with ceasefires dissolving, the residents of eastern DRC find themselves entrenched in the desperate shadows of war. Goma, set against the backdrop of Mount Nyiragongo, now bears witness to the scars of ongoing conflict, leaving its legacy marred by the weight of violence and uncertainty beyond what can be comprehended.
Photos from the recent events in Sake highlight both the havoc wreaked and the resilience of its people, living amongst ruins.
The city of Goma, once a thriving border hub, has dramatically changed since falling under the control of the M23 rebel group. The aftermath of violence has not only brought significant humanitarian issues, leading to countless displacements, but has also disrupted daily life profoundly. As efforts falter to restore peace, the scars of war remain harrowing reminders of conflict’s toll, endangering the lives of over two million residents.
Original Source: english.news.cn
