GOMA, Congo – In an effort to calm the nerves of residents in the eastern city of Goma, Rwanda-supported M23 rebels held a rally at a local stadium on Thursday, presenting themselves as protectors of safety under their new administration. This comes as they endeavor to build public confidence amidst increasing scrutiny from the global community.
Despite having declared a unilateral cease-fire, the M23 rebels continue their military actions in other regions of eastern Congo. The United Nations Secretary-General has called on the rebels to surrender their weapons and engage in mediation talks. According to health officials, the ongoing conflict has disrupted medical services in Goma, notably affecting a critical laboratory.
During the rally, attended by thousands of Goma residents, M23’s political leader Corneille Nangaa proclaimed that the city is now “liberated and sanitized,” and highlighted the appointment of new administrative officials. He reassured attendees, saying, “I ask you to sleep well because we bring you security; this is our priority.” He also informed the crowd that children would be returning to school shortly and that displaced families were welcome to go back home.
Backed by approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda, the M23 rebels stand out among the over 100 armed factions operating in eastern Congo, a region rich in resources essential for many technological applications around the globe. Unlike their brief takeover in 2012, analysts believe the M23 is now intent on acquiring political influence and demonstrating their governance capabilities.
Emmanuel Kakule, a 26-year-old Goma resident present at the rally, expressed his concerns about the situation. “I came to listen to their project. I don’t know if I’m convinced… We’re still afraid,” he stated.
Despite the cease-fire announcement meant to assist humanitarian efforts, the Congolese government has rejected it as “false communication,” citing ongoing rebel advances. Reports indicate that M23 was moving further into South Kivu province, just 50 kilometers from Bukavu, with the rebels having taken control of a strategically important town the day following their cease-fire declaration.
This incursion has resulted in rising anxiety among Bukavu residents, prompting some to evacuate to distant villages. Public transport options have dwindled, forcing families to walk for hours with their belongings, further heightening concern in the region.
Tragically, three employees of Swiss Church Aid were killed on Wednesday during their duty in North Kivu province’s Rutshuru territory, approximately 65 kilometers from Goma. The group has halted its projects in the area and characterized the attack as a serious breach of international humanitarian law.
A significant public health alert has been sounded by Africa’s leading health authority, indicating that the rebellion has disrupted operations at a vital medical laboratory in Goma dedicated to monitoring infectious diseases, including Ebola. Yap Boum II from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the interruption has impacted sample collection for various illnesses and resulted in numerous mpox patients leaving treatment facilities, thus increasing the risk of disease spread.
The safety of displaced individuals in Goma has raised alarms within the U.N. and various humanitarian organizations. Previously, Goma served as a crucial aid hub for over 6 million displaced individuals due to ongoing regional conflicts. On Thursday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made an urgent plea to the rebels and their Rwandan military allies to “silence the guns,” emphasizing that military action is not a solution to the conflicts in this resource-rich area.
Guterres will be attending an upcoming African Union Peace and Security Council meeting, dedicated to resolving the current crisis, and noted the numerous human rights abuses arising from ongoing hostilities, including forced recruitment and the disruption of vital aid efforts.
In related news, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi has instructed his country’s peacekeeping commander in eastern Congo to start preparations for troop withdrawal. Malawian forces are part of a regional contingent assisting the Congolese army, with some casualties reported. Chakwera emphasized that the withdrawal aligns with honoring the cease-fire declaration made by the rebels and facilitates negotiations for lasting peace.
Conversely, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed his nation’s commitment to remaining in Congo as a demonstration of support for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflicts. Ahead of an anticipated summit in Tanzania focused on the eastern Congo situation, Ramaphosa expressed the leaders’ intention to reinforce calls for a ceasefire and renewed dialogue.
