M23 Rebels Advance on Goma, Triggering Panic and Mass Displacement

Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo was engulfed in panic on Thursday as M23 rebels fought the national army as they moved steadily towards the city. Explosions rang out from the outskirts and hundreds of injured civilians were taken to the main hospital from nearby towns and villages.

Some people described their terrifying escape from attacks in Mubambiro and Saké which are 25 kilometres (15 miles) west-northwest of Goma where they saw numerous casualties. The situation in Saké was unclear as locals claimed the rebels had infiltrated and taken over the town. Many Saké residents have joined the 178,000 people who have fled as a result of the M23’s recent offensive.

In recent weeks, the rebel group has advanced significantly gaining ground on Goma, a city of around 2 million people and a vital hub for humanitarian and security efforts. In the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo close to the Rwandan border, M23 is one of some 100 armed groups vying for control during a protracted conflict that has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophes.

The violence has resulted in the displacement of more than 7 million people. The towns of Minova, Katale and Masisi which are located west of Goma were taken by M23 earlier this month. Goma was momentarily taken over by M23 in 2012 and held for almost a week. On Thursday morning, Goma schools sent pupils home as word of the confrontations spread.