GOMA, Congo — Following the capture of Goma, the key city in eastern Congo, rebels supported by Rwanda have rapidly enhanced their presence in the region, as stated by the United Nations on Friday. The organization has raised alarms regarding reports of executions carried out by these rebels amidst a significant escalation of their prolonged rebellion.
The U.N. peacekeeping chief, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, reported at a press briefing that the armed group, known as M23, is advancing towards South Kivu’s provincial capital, Bukavu, which is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) away. M23 has taken control of multiple towns following their siege on Goma, an area essential for humanitarian efforts concerning the 6 million individuals displaced due to ongoing conflicts.
The Congolese military has faced severe setbacks, having lost significant personnel and foreign mercenaries who surrendered to the rebels during the fallout in Goma. Rose Tchwenko, the country director for Mercy Corps, noted that the capture of Goma has halted humanitarian operations, severely disrupting vital aid distribution across eastern Congo. “The increase in violence towards Bukavu heightens the risk of further displacements, while the loss of humanitarian access leaves countless communities without support,” she warned.
In a meeting on Friday, the Southern African regional bloc, which includes Congo, decided to keep its peacekeeping force in eastern Congo active throughout 2023. Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who chairs the bloc, urged for “bold” and “decisive measures” to enhance the force’s operational capabilities. The 16-nation assembly also committed to pursuing a ceasefire agreement.
M23 has emerged as the strongest among more than 100 armed groups competing for dominance in the mineral-rich eastern regions of Congo, which contain crucial resources integral to global technology. U.N. experts estimate that the group has the backing of roughly 4,000 troops from Rwanda, significantly more than its earlier levels in 2012 when it briefly overtook Goma in an ethnic conflict. Analysts believe that a repeat of a similar withdrawal by the rebels is less likely this time around.
Observers highlight that Rwanda’s support has emboldened the M23, as it perceives that Congo has neglected its interests and failed to honor previous peace agreements. Murithi Mutiga, Africa program director at the Crisis Group, emphasized, “This situation is ultimately a shortcoming of African mediation efforts, and the warning signs were evident.”
As the human rights situation continues to deteriorate, U.N. human rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence mentioned a series of alarming developments, detailing bomb attacks on at least two camps for internally displaced persons that resulted in casualties. “We have documented the summary execution of no fewer than 12 individuals between January 26 and 28,” he reported, adding that the rebels have occupied civilian facilities such as schools and hospitals and forced civilians into conscription and labor.
In addition, allegations of sexual violence against Congolese troops amid ongoing conflicts have emerged. “We are currently verifying allegations that 52 women were raped by Congolese forces in South Kivu, which includes claims of gang rape,” Laurence stated.
In a noteworthy defense effort, Congolese forces successfully repelled a rebel assault in Kalehe territory, roughly 140 kilometers (about 85 miles) from Bukavu, according to Lt. Gen. Pacifique Masunzu, who oversees a critical military defense area in South Kivu. Residents reported that military bases in Bukavu were being vacated on Thursday to reinforce those closer to the provincial capital.
Amidst the escalating conflict, hundreds of local youth heeded Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi’s call for mass mobilization and enlisted for military training on Friday, according to local administrative officer Gabriel Kasanji. Following his inauguration as the new governor of North Kivu, Maj. Gen. Somo Kakule Evariste pledged to move swiftly to restore order in Goma, asserting, “This is not the time for rhetoric; the spirit of resistance will remain unbroken.”
Life in Goma remains grim as electricity and water supplies are absent, forcing residents to travel long distances to Lake Kivu for water. “We want peace restored to return to normalcy. We cannot sustain this daily burden,” expressed local resident Badeja Matanda.
Emmanuel de Merode, director of Virunga National Park, which is the primary electricity provider for Goma and its surroundings, warned that the lack of power poses a serious threat to over one million individuals. “The withdrawal of many aid organizations increases the risk of a major health crisis daily,” he cautioned.
Amid the ongoing hostilities, M23 has proclaimed efforts to regain control over Goma, claiming they are working to restore the city’s utilities amidst the fighting. “We will persist until we can reinstill democracy,” stated M23 political figure Corneille Nangaa. “Our aim is to transform this failed state into a modern nation.”
