The city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo is engulfed in turmoil as rebels seize control of key areas, including the airport, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict has left residents in fear, with reports of violence, looting, and a deteriorating security situation. The Congolese government, while acknowledging the presence of rebels in Goma, has not confirmed a complete takeover. Efforts by Eastern African leaders to address the crisis through an emergency meeting highlight the urgency and complexity of the situation.
Medical facilities in Goma have not been spared from the unrest. Kyeshero Hospital, a critical healthcare provider, experienced significant disruptions. Medical stocks were looted, and during a surgical operation, a bullet pierced the roof of its operating theatre. Such incidents underscore the dire conditions under which medical personnel are striving to provide care.
The situation in Goma is further complicated by the blockade of an ammunition shipment intended for government forces at the airport now controlled by rebels. This development highlights the strategic advantage gained by rebel forces. Reports of dead bodies on Goma's streets paint a grim picture of the humanitarian toll. Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the United Nations humanitarian office, confirmed these distressing accounts.
"Many dead bodies" on the streets of Goma were reported by Jens Laerke, United Nations humanitarian office spokesperson.
Civilians in Goma face harrowing circumstances, including reports of rape by fighters and continued gunfire near residential areas. Camille, a resident, expressed the pervasive fear gripping the community.
"People are scared because we have no electricity, water, or internet, so we spend the night in the dark." – Camille
Amid this chaos, a stadium in Goma has been opened to accept surrendering government troops. However, hundreds of Congolese soldiers laid down their arms following a 48-hour ultimatum from the M23 rebel coalition. The appointment of a new military governor for North Kivu, declared "under a state of siege" by the Congolese military, signifies an attempt to restore order amidst uncertainty.
Rwanda's national broadcaster released footage of Congolese soldiers surrendering to Rwandan forces at a border post after fleeing Goma. While the Congolese government maintains that it still holds control over Goma, the reality on the ground remains ambiguous.
The conflict's impact extends beyond Goma, stirring panic in nearby cities such as Bukavu. The fighting between government forces and the AFC/M23 rebel coalition, now persisting into its third day, has resulted in numerous casualties. Reports indicate several deaths, including those of foreign peacekeepers, and hundreds more injured.
For civilians like Camille and others in Goma, moments of perceived calm are fleeting and often followed by chaos.
"Yesterday, there was a little bit of calm, and people thought that everything was over. Some people went out in the streets and were able to buy some stuff. And during the situation, a lot of robbing and looting took place… Many warehouses and stores have been looted by the local population." – Camille
Rams Kiriza and Victor Tesongo offer differing perspectives on the current atmosphere in Goma. Despite reassurances from some quarters that calm prevails, the plight of civilians tells another story.
"For the moment, the situation is calm," – Rams Kiriza
"The situation is very calm. We have taken control of the city despite some minor tensions from the government soldiers." – Victor Tesongo
Economic activities are disrupted as residents scramble to secure basic necessities amid fears of further instability.
"Everyone is trying to rush to get some money out from their banks and get some food from supermarkets." – Benjamin Lindani
Stephan Goetghebuer highlights the profound impact on civilians, particularly those in internally displaced people camps who are now inaccessible to aid teams.
"The impact of this fighting on the civilian population is enormous. In addition to the wounded and dead, we are receiving devastating reports from internally displaced people camps where our teams can no longer go." – Stephan Goetghebuer
