Hundreds of wounded people have poured into overcrowded hospitals in Goma, eastern Congo, after the M23 rebels captured the major city last week. The worsening humanitarian crisis has drawn international attention and concern for the civilian population caught amid warfare.
Goma, with around two million inhabitants, has become the epicenter of conflict as fighting rages on between government forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. According to the Associated Press, “They will get infected before we can treat them all,” stated Florence Douet, an operating room nurse at Bethesda Hospital, as she attended to patients with various injuries. Since the conflict intensified on January 26, more than 700 people have reportedly been killed, with nearly 3,000 others wounded.
Hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of patients; Bethesda Hospital alone has seen over 100 new patients each day, exceeding its capacity of 250 beds. Many critically injured are forced to share beds or lie on the floor, awaiting treatment. “This is the first time I’m experiencing this,” recounted Patrick Bagamuhunda, who suffered injuries from the fighting. “This war has caused a lot of damage, but at least we are still breathing.”
The dire situation has raised alarm as Goma has become one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. Many patients arrive with gunshot wounds, forcing medical staff at facilities such as Kyeshero Hospital to operate beyond capacity. “We removed 48 bullets yesterday,” reported Johnny Kasangati, a surgeon, highlighting the alarming rate of injuries.
Goma's capture has sparked fears of disease outbreaks, especially with heaps of bodies present both on streets and within hospitals. Overcrowded facilities struggle to manage the dead, leading to concerns about subsequent health crises. Jules Kafitiye, medical director at Maternité de la Charité Hospital, noted, “We had 66 bodies here. Fifty-six were transferred to the provincial hospital, where the morgue has more space.”
The United Nations' health agency has warned of the risk of endemic diseases proliferated by mass displacements amid the fighting, including recent cholera outbreaks. Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, the WHO’s representative, noted the “fear of the disease to be spreading widely.”
Despite this unrest, life continues around Goma. A recent BBC report captured contrasting scenes: “People are afraid… I am still afraid because those who caused the tension are still with us,” said local shop owner Sammy Matabishi. The rebels, who have gained control of significant areas, appear to be asserting their dominance, with no visible Congolese military presence.
Though military actions have ceased for now, M23’s presence remains palpable; gunmen patrol the streets, filling the power vacuum left by retreating government forces. During her visit to the city, BBC journalist Robert Kiptoo observed how M23 fighters were positioned around former military headquarters and controlled checkpoints.
Local residents increasingly come to terms with living under M23 control, though uncertainty hangs over the prospect of their governance. Armed conflict continues just outside Goma as the rebels have expressed ambitions to advance toward South Kivu, leading to warnings over potential threats to the broader region.
The M23 group claims to fight for the rights of ethnic Tutsis, alleging persecution from rival Hutu groups. This narrative intertwines with the larger historical conflict over resources and ethnic tensions rooted deeply within Congo's complex political fabric. M23 spokesperson, Corneille Nangaa stated, “Our objective is Congo, we are fighting for Congo. We are not fighting for minerals, we are fighting for something larger.”
Now, as the situation stabilizes albeit precariously, citizens remain displaced and fearful for their safety, not knowing when they might be able to return home. A widow Francine Nsengiyumva expressed, “Those who took our land are still there, still killing people and terrorising,” reflecting the insecurities many face daily. The humanitarian crisis continues as international organizations scramble to address the needs of the displaced and injured.
The repercussions of the M23’s control over Goma stretch beyond immediate violence, highlighting the chronic instability and humanitarian challenges facing the Congolese population. With the power dynamics shifting, the future remains uncertain for both Goma and other areas of eastern Congo.