In the shadows of Goma, a chilling tale unfolds. The M23 armed group, backed by Rwanda, has unleashed terror in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly since seizing Goma in January. They’ve invaded hospitals, forcibly abducting patients and even military personnel, subjecting them to painful torture and mistreatment, according to Amnesty International. Eyewitness accounts reveal a haunting landscape where fear reigns and rampant abuse persists.
Survivors of this grim saga have recounted harrowing experiences that unveil the scale of violence in North and South Kivu. Hospital abductions on the nights of 28 February and 3 March saw over 130 individuals taken, some tortured in a stadium while under duress to join the M23. Reports document drastic violations of international humanitarian law as the group disregards the safety of the wounded and civilians alike.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director, emphasised the desperation of the situation. “The world must not turn a blind eye to the crimes taking place in eastern DRC,” he urged, highlighting the need for international pressure to protect civilians and ensure humane treatment for detainees. The situation has been exacerbated by a legacy of impunity, allowing such heinous acts against humanity to persist unchecked.
Grim evidence of mass mortality has surfaced, with the Congolese Red Cross collecting hundreds of dead bodies in South Kivu. Reports indicate that between 17 February and 13 March 2025, they recovered 406 bodies, including 110 civilians from Bukavu. This escalating violence prompts urgent calls for international action to address these atrocities and hold perpetrators accountable.
Moreover, human rights defenders and journalists face alarming threats from M23, often leading them to flee or hide in fear of reprisals for exposing the truth. Under international scrutiny, even human rights activists find themselves at risk; recent threats to their safety signal a toxic climate for those standing against M23 abuses.
In parallel, a disturbing surge in sexual violence cases has been reported, with survivors detailing their traumatic experiences at the hands of M23 fighters. Testimonies reveal heart-wrenching incidents of gang rape and abduction, painting a dire picture of safety for women in this region as the fabric of dignity and humanity continues to unravel amidst ongoing violence.
The M23 armed group in the DRC has committed severe human rights abuses, including mass abductions, torture, and widespread sexual violence since seizing Goma in January. Eyewitness accounts and survivor testimonies reveal alarming conditions, with international organisations like Amnesty International calling for action to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable. The humanitarian crisis rapidly escalates as the region witnesses more deaths and threats against human rights defenders.
The situation in eastern DRC under M23’s control is a stark reminder of the atrocities that can occur when impunity reigns. The abduction of patients, rampant sexual violence, and the targeting of those voicing opposition highlight the urgent need for international intervention. Capturing the gravity of the crisis calls on global entities to act decisively to protect civilians and uphold humanitarian law to prevent further suffering in the region.
Original Source: allafrica.com
