Scars of War in Goma: A City Under Siege in Eastern DRC
Goma, DRC, faces ongoing turmoil three months after M23’s takeover, echoing past conflicts. The humanitarian crisis deepens with staggering displacements and violence amid crumbling infrastructure. The local populace endures under M23’s uncertain control, marked by fears of unexploded ordnance and deteriorating conditions.
Goma, a city once thriving beneath the shadow of Mount Nyiragongo, now resides in a state of tense calm three months post the March 23 Movement’s (M23) takeover. This significant shift happened on January 27 when M23 forces declared control over the city, a brutal reminder of its turbulent history dating back to 2012 during a similar takeover. The aftermath has left Goma’s over two million residents grappling with instability and the haunting echoes of conflict.
The violence that unfolded was severe. The DRC government reports that over 8,500 people lost their lives and nearly 5,600 were injured as heavy fighting erupted in the city, transforming it into a war zone. Various sites, including residential areas and essential infrastructure like the airport, faced destruction. Witnesses sadly recounted how even displacement camps were targeted, with pregnant women and newborns tragically caught in the crossfire.
As the fighting persisted, M23 announced a “humanitarian ceasefire” on February 4, but this did little to stem the violence throughout North and South Kivu provinces. They soon took Bukavu, South Kivu’s capital, solidifying their control over a large region and presenting a worrying outlook for peace. Analysts worry this phase is different, more entrenched, with Reinacted M23 leadership promising to extend their reach throughout the nation.
After Goma’s fall, a grim silence took over. The gunfire was gone, but the disorder reigned. Commercial streets in Goma that were once vibrant now lay eerily quiet. A financial crisis took hold, leaving the banking system in tatters. Daily life is marred by crime, especially at night, and with government structures virtually non-existent, M23 militants have set up their own checkpoints, taxing the movement of goods and people.
The humanitarian crisis is staggering. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that 1.2 million people have been displaced within Kivu since January alone. Many who sought safety in Goma have had to flee once again, often returning to find their homes destroyed, farmland scorched, and paths obstructed.
In February, M23 issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the evacuation of key displacement camps in the Goma area. Families fled in a hurry, grabbing whatever they could carry with them. Tragically, many returned to devastated villages, facing further despair.
Sake, located 27 kilometers from Goma, has witnessed brutal confrontations between M23 and Congolese forces, resulting in havoc across the town. The fighting has left Sake largely in ruins, a precarious and dangerous environment. Residents like Christian Kabuya express fears about unexploded ordnance littering fields. “We’ve found live shells in over ten locations,” he revealed, cautioning about the risks children face from such remnants.
In western Goma, the Ndosho Hospital is the only operational facility for the wounded—inundated by patients amid ongoing violence. Supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), hospital staff are stretched thin. According to Taoffic Mohamed Toure, an ICRC veteran, “The situation here is uniquely complex,” emphasizing the constant struggles inherent in humanitarian work in eastern Congo.
With diplomatic efforts faltering and ceasefires failing, the people of Goma continue to endure the scars of war. Where once the vibrant flows of lava from Nyiragongo cooled into solid ground, now lies the heavy burden of conflict—scars that remain achingly on display.
The city of Goma in eastern DRC remains a poignant illustration of the ongoing impact of armed conflict. As M23 continues to assert control over key areas, the situation for residents grows increasingly dire, with humanitarian issues compounding daily. The resilience of the local population is tested continually amidst a crumbling infrastructure and rampant violence. The scars of war, both physical and psychological, may take years to heal, if healing is even possible.
Original Source: english.news.cn
