In brief
After intense fighting, Rwanda-allied M23 rebels have captured Goma, unleashing chaos as local civilians struggle with severe shortages and a lack of military protection.
In the aftermath of a week-long battle, Goma, a city with a population of two million in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has been largely overtaken by Rwanda-supported M23 rebels. Recent reports indicate that hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties while morgues are strained by the rising number of fatalities. As fear subsides, Goma's citizens cautiously emerge from hiding, desperate for basic necessities such as food and water.Rebel forces displayed a striking force on Thursday, parading over 1,000 captured Congolese soldiers who found themselves trapped without reinforcements. Many soldiers lamented their fear and anger at their superiors and the Congolese president, Felix Tshisekedi, whom they blame for abandoning them. Videos captured the harrowing moment as the military leadership fled by boat under cover of darkness, leaving their troops to fend for themselves in the wake of the advancing militia.The sentiments among the captured soldiers are palpable; furious accusations rang out against President Tshisekedi, with soldiers pledging payback against their abandoned leadership. As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, questions arise about the future of Goma and the security of its residents.
