In recent weeks, Goma City has been gripped by growing insecurity as a result of the occupation by the AFC/M23 rebels. This development, supported by Rwanda, has had serious implications for the humanitarian situation in the city, as well as for the operations of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC, Bintou Keita, has spoken out against the restrictions imposed by the M23, which have limited the movements of UN forces, hindered the delivery of aid, and prevented the assessment of damage to critical infrastructure, including the Goma airport. This occupation has made it more challenging to protect civilians, with logistical constraints and increasing hostility from the local population adding to the difficulties faced by the UN mission.
Escalating Insecurity and Regional Concerns
Furthermore, the security situation has continued to deteriorate as the M23 rebels have expanded their reach into other areas of North and South Kivu. The establishment of a parallel administration in Goma, complete with the appointment of a governor and mayor, has bolstered the influence of the armed group. Clashes and rebel incursions have resulted in significant loss of life, while the M23’s advance towards Bukavu, near the border of the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi, has raised fears of a regional escalation. The failure of diplomatic initiatives, such as those led by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC), has left the population without hope for a swift return to stability.
Rise in Crime and Civilian Fear
The surge in criminal activity within the city, including incidents of looting, kidnappings, and murders, has added to the sense of fear and uncertainty among residents. In the Himbi neighborhood, several suspected criminals were executed by M23 patrols following nighttime robberies. This swift justice continued with the execution of two more individuals accused of kidnapping. In less than 48 hours, at least 16 people lost their lives in violent circumstances, further fueling the atmosphere of fear and unrest. The M23 has issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding the return of weapons and military equipment, increasing the pressure on the civilian population.
The mass escape of detainees from the central prison of Munzenze has only added to the chaos in the city. With these fugitive prisoners on the loose, coupled with the presence of armed groups like the wazalendos, criminal activities have continued to rise. Goma, once a bustling economic and cultural hub, now finds itself engulfed in pervasive insecurity, with civilians bearing the brunt of the war and international inaction in the face of the M23’s advances.