Eastern Congo: Sake on the brink of collapse, Goma threatened by M23 rebels
Just 20 kilometres from the city of Goma, heavy fighting is currently taking place between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels. Earlier this month, the strategically located towns of Minova and Masisi fell into the hands of the M23 rebels. 11.11.11 sounds the alarm and warns of humanitarian crisis and European complicity
January 24, 2025
3 minutes
Although several reports announced the victory of the M23 at the crucial junction Sake claim, this has not yet been officially confirmed. However, it is clear that the safety and supply of the city with millions of inhabitants and provincial capital Rubber is under heavy pressure. Earlier this month, the strategically located towns of Minova and Masisi fell into the hands of M23 rebels.
Thousands of people have been fleeing to Goma and surrounding refugee camps since Thursday morning. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 178.000 people fled.
Problematic attitude of the EU
Never before has M23 taken so much territory. The speed and success of the rebel offensive is partly attributed to recent reinforcements and modern war material from Rwanda. It has been waging a shadow war with neighboring country Congo where control of strategic raw materials plays a major role. For example, a recent UN report found that the Rwandan army and M23 rebels smuggle 120 tons of coltan and tin from eastern Congo to Rwanda every month. These stolen raw materials also find their way abroad.
The position that the EU takes in this regard is very problematic. Europe is showing two faces. On the one hand, the EU condemns the violence and has indicated that it is considering individual sanctions against Rwandan leaders. On the other hand, EU officials are concluding agreements with Rwanda for military and trade purposes, even on natural resources. Europe is also considering a second tranche of 20 million euros to the Rwandan army for its work in Mozambique. The EU must stop adding fuel to the fire because it risks becoming complicit in human rights violations.
Residents are very concerned
Meanwhile, the call is heard for de-escalation and international action is becoming increasingly loud. If the M23 offensive continues unchecked, a humanitarian disaster threatens countless Congolese. Local residents such as Marceline Budza, who lives in Bukavu and is the founder of the organization Rebuild Women's Hope, are very concerned.
"If the rebels come closer to my city, I will be forced to find a safe place for my family and myself. Once they enter the city, everyone is in danger, especially people like me who know the truth about what is happening here. It is unbearable to see how our lives are increasingly threatened."
"If the rebels come closer to my city, I will be forced to find a safe place for my family and myself. Once they enter the city, everyone is in danger, especially people like me who know the truth about what is happening here. It is unbearable to see how our lives are increasingly threatened."
