In brief
After a week of conflict, Goma, a key city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo with a population of two million, has fallen under the control of the Rwanda-backed M23 militia. The humanitarian situation in Goma is deteriorating rapidly; hospitals and morgues are overwhelmed, and residents are emerging from hiding, facing severe shortages of food and water. The Congolese military, once expected to offer protection, has been forced to retreat, leaving civilians vulnerable and scared.
On Thursday, scenes of turmoil became evident as M23 rebels showcased captives—over 1,000 soldiers taken from the Congolese army—crammed into truck beds. The soldiers, still in uniform, expressed their rage, not towards their captors but against their own leaders, accusing them of betrayal. Many reported that their commanders abandoned them during the assault, fleeing the city by boat while leaving them to fend for themselves. Anger and calls for accountability resonate strongly among those left behind.“The situation is dire, and we need urgent help,” said a local aid worker, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance as infrastructure crumbles and despair deepens across Goma. Amid rising tensions and escalating violence, the plight of residents emphasizes the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the dire need for sustainable solutions to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
