GOMA, Congo — Recent actions by Rwanda-backed rebels, specifically the M23 group, have forcibly shut down settlement camps in eastern Congo, displacing over 110,000 individuals within the past few days, according to reports from the U.N. and local sources on Tuesday.
The M23 rebels, one of more than 100 armed factions vying for control in the resource-rich eastern region, seized Goma, the largest city in the area, during significant clashes that escalated in late January. This takeover has been marked by violence, resulting in the deaths of at least 2,000 people in and near the city, as reported by Congolese authorities.
In a recent briefing, the U.N.’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed that the M23 issued a 72-hour ultimatum for displaced individuals to vacate the camp sites and return to their former homes. This move comes as the rebels claim they aim to restore normalcy in Goma.
While M23 later stated that the relocations should be voluntary, OCHA reported that over 110,000 displaced persons have already left the camps for remote villages, which aid organizations have warned are increasingly difficult to access for humanitarian assistance.
Witnesses, including journalists, saw many families in the camps dismantling their temporary shelters and packing the few belongings they could salvage. One displaced person, Sibomana Safari, expressed deep concern about the situation, stating, “I am surprised because we are asked to leave, yet I have nothing to give to the children. We all are leaving without any help, and I don’t know if we’re going to make it.”
As a consequence of the escalating conflict, at least 500,000 individuals have been displaced since the M23’s advance began, according to the Forum of International Non-Governmental Organizations. Prior to the recent fighting that escalated around February 26, Goma was home to nearly a million displaced people.
Oonagh Curry, an emergency coordinator for Doctors Without Borders, expressed alarm regarding the current situation, stating, “The situation is extremely worrying. A sudden movement of a population can worsen the humanitarian crisis that was already underway.”
Among those fleeing is Kwimana Sifa, who lost his home to a bomb. He lamented, “It is better to leave us here. Although we lack food, we have shelter here. What we want is just peace and nothing else.” The rebels recently declared a unilateral ceasefire, but locals continue to report occurrences of fighting between the M23 and government forces as the rebels advance toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
On Tuesday, M23 threatened to take action in response to killings reported in Bukavu, located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from their current position. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka voiced serious concerns, stating, “The situation in Bukavu is deteriorating dangerously. Our compatriots are continually being killed. If these crimes persist, we will take our responsibilities to eradicate the threat at its source and protect our people.”
