GISENYI, Rwanda — In eastern Congo, many individuals affected by the ongoing rebellion face a daunting dilemma: either retreat into the depths of Congo, where protection by a disorganized army is scarce, or venture into Rwanda, a nation accused of supporting the insurgents.
The recent swift advance of rebel forces that overran Goma, the largest city in the region, has reignited concerns about the inability of Congolese military forces and their backup allies to ensure the safety of civilians. This resurgence of conflict compounds the troubles associated with a long-standing African war, occurring nearly 1,000 miles from Congo’s capital and alarmingly close to Rwanda.
Imani Zawadi, who fled from a Goma suburb, expressed the sentiments shared by many seeking refuge: “There is a foreign entity that is not completely trustworthy on one side and a weaker, compromised military on the other side. It has left us without anyone to depend on.”
Her anxiety reflects the plight of countless Congolese individuals displaced by the M23 rebels’ ongoing violence. Since the rebels took control of Goma and closed down essential facilities like the airport while flooding hospitals with casualties, over 1,200 Congolese, including defecting soldiers, have sought safety in Rwanda.
Concerns are rising that the M23 might occupy Goma to effectively create a buffer zone, allowing Rwanda to alter the border with its significantly larger neighbor. This area is believed to hold immense untapped mineral resources, including gold and cobalt. Rebel leaders have announced intentions to establish administrative control over Goma.
The rebels have achieved multiple successes in their campaign, despite the presence of the Congolese army, which is backed by a 14,000-member U.N. peacekeeping force and troops from various African nations. Additionally, Romanian military personnel, described as mercenaries by Rwandan authorities, have been implicated in the conflict.
In a display of power, one Romanian knelt with his hands behind his head as the rebels directed him and others toward the border. “Our fight is for the future of our children,” said Willy Ngoma, a spokesperson for the M23, adding that their forces had escorted 289 mercenaries into Rwanda, all under the observation of U.N. peacekeepers.
Ngoma characterized the M23 as a “people’s army” dedicated to establishing peace. However, this recent rebel offensive significantly undermines a ceasefire established for 2024, reminiscent of the M23’s earlier capture of Goma more than a decade ago, a takeover that was short-lived due to international pressure on Rwanda to withdraw its support.
Despite the wealth of evidence suggesting Rwandan backing of the M23, the Rwandan government has consistently denied these claims. They argue that their primary motivation is to safeguard the ethnic Tutsi population in Congo, amid allegations of the rebels exploiting local resources. United Nations analysts suggest there could be up to 4,000 Rwandan troops operating within Congo.
During a recent luncheon with diplomats in Kigali, Rwandan President Paul Kagame mentioned the ongoing threats posed by individuals associated with the 1994 genocide, asserting these perpetrators remain armed and ideologically driven within eastern Congo.
Kagame emphasized that any dialogue with the M23 must prioritize the security of Congolese Tutsis, alongside addressing Rwanda’s concerns about other militant groups that threaten security in the region. The Rwandan government has alleged that a militant faction known as FDLR, which includes those accused of genocide, is integrated into the Congolese military, a claim that the military disputes.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has previously dismissed any prospects of initiating talks with the M23. Instead, negotiations leading to the ceasefire last year involved interactions between Congo and Rwanda, facilitated by Angola. However, the current crisis in Goma has sparked protests in Kinshasa, the capital, with citizens demanding accountability from the international community, which may compel Tshisekedi to reconsider his position.
Some intellectuals aligned with Kagame suggest that Rwandan governance could lead to better civilian conditions in eastern Congo, a perspective not shared by many of those fleeing. Rose Clemency, an electrical engineer, articulates a strong sense of national pride, stating, “Rwanda aims to annex our land, but we will never let it happen.” She criticized her government for failing to bolster the military’s capacity to defend against Rwandan incursions but reiterated the unwavering resolve of Congolese people to resist being dominated by the M23.
As more individuals cross into Rwanda amid this crisis, Rwanda’s national broadcaster depicted border guards handling the influx of Congolese with care and respect. However, many of those fleeing expressed their apprehension about seeking refuge in Rwanda, insisting it was a last resort.
With growing humanitarian concerns voiced by the United States and other nations, the situation in the region continues to worsen. Goma, already a sanctuary for numerous individuals displaced by previous conflicts, is uncertain in its role as a humanitarian hub. Recent fighting has displaced approximately 400,000 people in just three weeks.
As the future of Goma remains uncertain—a crucial center for humanitarian efforts for millions—the U.N. has indicated that many now find themselves without safe options. “We are simply captives of the rebels,” lamented Anzimana Semena, who fled into Rwanda with his three children and is currently being processed in Gisenyi, a border town.
