Civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) face mounting threats as the M23 armed group, allegedly backed by the Rwanda Defence Force, advances toward Goma, North Kivu’s capital, as reported by Human Rights Watch. This group is met by the Congolese military and the militias known as “Wazalendo.”
According to Human Rights Watch, the ongoing conflict is exacerbating humanitarian crises, following M23’s capture of Minova on January 21, 2025, which severed vital supply lines to Goma’s two million residents. In recent weeks, displacement has surged, with UNHCR reporting 400,000 people forced to flee, totaling over four million displaced in eastern Congo.
“The situation facing Goma’s civilians is becoming increasingly perilous, and the humanitarian needs are enormous,” emphasized Clémentine de Montjoye, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch. The report urges that combatants must adhere to international humanitarian laws to ensure civilian protection and aid delivery, despite rampant violence in the region.
Reports indicate intensifying hostilities near the towns of Sake and Kibumba, with UN and Southern African forces deployed to impede the M23’s progress. Moreover, Human Rights Watch verified sightings of Rwandan soldiers advancing in Sake, raising fears of escalation.
Fighting near Goma has led to injuries and fatalities among civilians, worsened by shelling and attacks on displacement camps, as highlighted by a humanitarian source reporting that 30% to 40% of those injured in Goma currently require medical assistance. The International Committee of the Red Cross noted its Goma hospital is overwhelmed by new patients, including women and children.
North Kivu officials have banned small-boat travel between lakes, restricting access to Goma as M23 controls Minova. Concerns also grow about potential attacks on civilians by fleeing Wazalendo fighters amidst fears regarding the military’s grip on the situation after the death of military governor Gen. Peter Cirimwami.
As violence escalated across North and South Kivu, reports from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) detail attacks near their facilities, injuring staff and patients. The Human Rights Watch investigation reveals alarming incidents of forced labor and recruitment by the M23, highlighting the harsh impact on local communities.
Throughout 2024, evidence surfaced of indiscriminate shelling targeting camps, with both M23 and Congolese forces committing severe abuses. As international humanitarian laws stand firm against civilian targeting, calls for accountability and sanctions on Rwandan and Congolese officials have intensified.
Human Rights Watch advocates for immediate reviews of military assistance to Rwandan forces, urging the EU and concerned governments to not inadvertently support these abusive actions. The report also notes ongoing inquiries into crimes against humanity committed by armed groups, emphasizing the historical cycle of impunity surrounding these conflicts.
Calling for urgent actions, de Montjoye stated, “Rwandan forces and the M23, along with the Congolese military, have a legacy of atrocities that must be addressed with urgency to ensure accountability.”
According to Human Rights Watch, civilians in eastern DRC are at heightened risk due to advancing M23 forces. Reports indicate over 400,000 have been displaced in recent weeks, with critical humanitarian needs. The UN and Southern African forces are attempting to block M23’s progress. Urgent international action is needed to address and prevent further atrocities against civilians.
Civilians in eastern DRC are increasingly at risk due to the escalating conflict between M23 and various militia groups. Massive displacement and humanitarian crises are intensifying as the M23 approaches Goma. The international community is urged to act against ongoing abuses and ensure accountability for violations of humanitarian laws.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
