GOMA, Congo — Following its takeover of Goma, a significant city in eastern Congo, rebels supported by Rwanda are rapidly expanding their territory, raising alarms about escalating violence and human rights violations in the region, the United Nations reported on Friday. Recent evaluations by the U.N. indicated a death toll of approximately 700 and around 2,800 injuries resulting from the conflict in Goma and surrounding areas since the rebellion intensified. “These numbers are expected to rise as more information becomes available,” stated U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
The M23 rebel group has advanced to within 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, according to U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix, highlighting their rapid movement after capturing several towns, positioning themselves as a significant threat to the estimated 6 million displaced individuals in the area. The Congolese military is in a precarious position, having suffered heavy casualties and experiencing defections among foreign mercenaries following Goma’s fall.
The situation has led to severe humanitarian challenges. Rose Tchwenko, the country director for Mercy Corps, emphasized that following the rebels’ capture of Goma, aid operations have stagnated, disabling crucial support systems for countless communities. The risk of further displacement is growing, combining with the loss of humanitarian access that has left many isolated and without assistance.
On a regional level, the Southern African bloc, to which Congo belongs, has decided to continue its peacekeeping presence in the eastern area for the year. At a recent summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, the chairman of the bloc mentioned the need for “bold” actions to enhance the force’s effectiveness and emphasized efforts towards achieving a ceasefire.
At the U.N. headquarters, France presented a draft resolution to the Security Council, urging an end to the current military offensive in eastern Congo, the withdrawal of foreign combatants, and a return to peace talks aimed at halting hostilities. French Ambassador Nicolas De Riviere expressed optimism about the swift adoption of these measures.
The M23 group stands as the most influential among over a hundred armed factions in Congo’s resource-rich eastern territories. They are allegedly supported by approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda, which is a dramatic increase from their numbers during their previous conquest of Goma in 2012, a situation that arose from deep-seated ethnic tensions.
Experts believe that the chances of the M23 withdrawing from their newfound positions may be slimmer than during past conflicts. The rebels feel bolstered by Rwanda, which is reportedly discontent with Congo’s neglect of its strategic interests and dissatisfaction with past peace agreements, according to Crisis Group’s Africa program director, Murithi Mutiga. He noted that the evolving dynamics underscore a failure of African mediation, as signs of potential unrest were evident.
As the human rights crisis deepens, the U.N. has reported concerning incidents of violence and human rights abuses, including bombardments on internally displaced persons camps leading to numerous casualties. Jeremy Laurence from the U.N. human rights office detailed verified summary executions of at least 12 individuals by M23 during late January and indicated that civilians are facing forced conscription and labor, alongside the occupation of hospitals and schools.
Compounding the crisis, allegations have emerged that Congolese forces are also involved in incidents of sexual violence, with reports of 52 women being raped, including cases of gang rape.
On the military front, Congolese defenses managed to repel an attack by the rebels in Kalehe territory, which is situated about 140 kilometers from Bukavu, showcasing some resilience amid turbulence. Reports indicate that military bases in Bukavu are being fortified as Congolese forces regroup.
In response to the escalating conflict, there is a surge in volunteer enlistment, with many young individuals stepping forward to join military training in the provincial capital following President Félix Tshisekedi’s call for mass mobilization. The new governor of North Kivu, Maj. Gen. Somo Kakule Evariste, pledged to swiftly reestablish government control over regions like Goma, expressing determination not to let the spirit of resistance fade.
In Goma, the situation remains precarious, according to U.N. peacekeeping chief Lacroix. While some semblance of calm is returning with functionality improvements in utilities, the city still faces sporadic gunfire and the threat of unexploded ordnance, which severely hampers movement. Corneille Nangaa, a political leader of M23, articulated a long-term vision for the region, emphasizing the transition from a failed state to a progressive one.
