Massive Arrival of Displaced People Causes Panic in Goma
A wave of panic has swept through neighborhoods in the west of Goma since early Wednesday morning, as well as in displaced persons camps. This panic follows the massive arrival of displaced individuals from areas recently conquered by the M23 rebel group in Kalehe territory. The influx includes people from Kitembo in the South Kivu region and Nzulo in the North Kivu region. Many displaced individuals, both old and new, along with some residents of Lac Vert and Mugunga neighborhoods, have decided to head towards downtown Goma to seek safety from ongoing gunfire.
Eye-Witness Reports and Expert Commentary
Ismaël Matungulu, a displaced journalist returning from Sake, shared his firsthand account: “Since last night, we have welcomed several displaced individuals from Nzulo, Kitembo, and surrounding areas. Some displaced individuals from Bulengo are also leaving the site to make their way to downtown Goma, where they feel safer. This morning, we have registered many displaced individuals moving from Nzulo to Lushagala to escape heavy gunfire in Nzulo. Additionally, we heard explosions from bombs dropped by the M23 towards Kitembo village in the Buzi region, approximately 200 meters from the Nzulo site. Currently, many displaced individuals are heading towards Goma.”
Governor Peter Chirimwami of North Kivu reassured the population not to succumb to panic, emphasizing the military’s efforts to ensure their safety. He explained, “These displacements are driven by ongoing clashes in the neighboring village of Buzi on Ngwiro hill. Unfortunately, many locals and displaced individuals from Nzulo are fleeing towards Goma. It is heartbreaking to see people unsure of where to go, scattered along the Sake-Goma road.”
Humanitarian Crisis and Call for Action
Mwisha Busanga Leopold, president of the civil society in Kamuronza-Sake, Masisi territory, expressed deep concern: “We urge the government to take swift action to reclaim areas captured by rebels. Teams should be dispatched to guide displaced individuals who are lost. Kinshasa should send the Chief of Staff of the FARDC to assess the dire situation we are facing. It is alarming to see people suffering without concrete measures to end this crisis.”
According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 178,000 individuals have been newly displaced due to recent security developments in South Kivu, including the M23’s occupation of Bweremana, Minova, and Kalungu. The situation is dire, with a significant portion of Minova’s population, including those displaced from past crises, moving towards the southern localities of Nyamasasa and Kinyezire.
As of December 31st, South Kivu had 1.67 million internally displaced persons, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and government action to address the escalating crisis.