City gripped by fear: Goma’s desperate struggle against M23 rebels advancement

In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, an ominous storm looms as the M23 rebels make their relentless advance towards the city of Goma. Panic ensues as residents grapple with the imminent threat, their lives overshadowed by uncertainty and fear.

Goma, once a bustling hub of vibrant activity, now stands on the precipice of chaos. Streets that were once filled with laughter and bustling market stalls now bear the weight of heavy footsteps, echoing the anxiety that permeates the air.

This major city in the region, with about two million people, has been cut off from the farms that feed it for several days.

It is the latest episode in a resurgence of fighting that has seen tens of thousands added to the nearly seven million who have been forced from their homes in the country because of multiple conflicts.

Rebels from the ethnic Tutsi-led M23 movement are blocking the two main roads into Goma from the north and the west and preventing produce from getting through.

“We are scared of going hungry if the [Congolese army] do not liberate any of the main roads very soon. You can feel the panic here… people are very scared,” Mr Bolingo told the BBC.

As news of the rebels’ encroachment spreads like wildfire, the city’s inhabitants search for solace amidst the rising tension. Families huddle together in dimly lit rooms, their eyes darting nervously at every sound that pierces the night. The streets, once teeming with life, now resemble ghostly corridors, as anxiety-stricken individuals scurry past, desperate to find safety.

Sake, a town 25km (15 miles) north-west of Goma, came under attack on Wednesday.

“I sustained a pelvic injury caused by shrapnel,” Mundeke Kandundao told the BBC from his hospital bed in Goma where he has undergone surgery.

The 25-year-old motorbike taxi driver said a shell was launched by the rebels from a hill overlooking the town on Wednesday.

“I was standing behind a cabin and there were a lot of other people

The M23 rebels, a formidable force with unwavering determination, have cast a dark shadow over Goma. Their presence serves as a constant reminder of the fragility of peace in this war-ravaged region. The beleaguered citizens, weary from years of conflict, now find themselves at the mercy of a relentless storm.

Yet, amidst the chaos, there are glimmers of resilience. Local leaders and humanitarian organizations rally together, their collective efforts aimed at providing solace and assistance to the affected communities.

The spirit of unity arises, as neighbors become allies in the face of adversity, offering shelter and support to those who have been displaced.

In this battle for survival, the people of Goma refuse to be silenced. Voices rise, demanding justice and peace, as they strive to reclaim the vibrant city that was once their sanctuary. The strength of their spirit becomes a beacon of hope, shining through the darkness that cloaks their beloved home.

As the M23 rebels inch closer to Goma’s doorstep, the world watches with bated breath. The fate of this embattled city hangs in the balance, a testament to the enduring resilience of humanity and the unyielding power of hope.