Mass Displacement in Eastern Congo as Rebel Groups Dissolve Refugee Camps
Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo – Thousands of refugees have been displaced from eastern Congo after rebel groups forcibly dissolved several refugee camps in recent days, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported.
The M23 militia reportedly issued a 72-hour ultimatum to displaced persons residing in camps within the rebel-controlled city of Goma, ordering them to return to their villages of origin. Though the group later clarified that the return should be voluntary, OCHA reports that over 110,000 displaced persons have already relocated to remote villages far removed from humanitarian assistance.
The situation in the mineral-rich eastern Congo escalated in late January when the M23 militia launched an offensive against the provincial capital of Goma in North Kivu, swiftly seizing control of the city. According to UN estimates, over 2,900 civilians have been killed in the fighting, while international non-governmental organizations put the number of displaced persons at over 500,000.
"The situation is extremely worrying," said Oonagh Curry, emergency coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). "The situation is very volatile. We cannot forget that sudden population movements can exacerbate an already existing humanitarian crisis," she added.
M23 rebels have recently announced a potential new offensive, threatening to advance on the provincial capital of Bukavu, citing a "gravely deteriorating" security situation. Bukavu and the strategically important city of Kavumu, located 35 kilometers to the north, remain under the control of the Congolese army.
The M23 had previously declared a unilateral ceasefire, but the Congolese government has not confirmed its validity. Local residents continue to report clashes between government troops and rebel fighters.
Background and Context
Goma is located near the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, in a region known for its abundance of natural resources. M23 has controlled portions of the province for years, and the group briefly seized Goma in 2012 before being forced to withdraw under international pressure. The M23 remained dormant until late 2021, when it resumed its activities, according to the Congolese government and UN experts.
The Congolese government in Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim that Rwanda denies. Rwanda insists that it is protecting its territorial security and the Tutsi ethnic group in Congo. UN experts estimate that at least 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are fighting alongside M23.
Humanitarian Impact
The forced displacement of refugees has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo, where millions of people are already in need of assistance. The loss of access to safe water, sanitation, and healthcare poses serious risks to the health and well-being of displaced populations.
"Many people have lost their homes, their belongings, and their entire livelihoods," said Jules Lodge, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Congo. "The situation is particularly alarming for the most vulnerable, such as women, children, and the elderly."
International Response
The United Nations and international NGOs are calling for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis and protect the rights of displaced persons. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has appealed for $25.7 million to provide emergency shelter, water, and other essential services to those fleeing the violence.
The African Union, European Union, and United States have condemned the forced displacement of refugees and have called on M23 to respect international humanitarian law. However, efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict have so far proven unsuccessful.
Ongoing Conflict and Security Concerns
The ongoing conflict between the Congolese army and M23 continues to fuel instability in eastern Congo. The threat of further displacement and human rights violations looms large, as M23 rebels have shown no signs of withdrawing from the region.
"The continuation of this conflict is a major impediment to the development of eastern Congo and central Africa," said Christoph Vogel, a conflict analyst at the International Crisis Group. "The international community must remain engaged to support peace efforts and ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable are met."
