Calm as grip on Goma by M23 rebels tightens (Pictures) #rwanda #RwOT

For the first time in years, residents of Goma are sleeping peacefully, moving freely at night, and resuming daily activities as usual without fear.

Anastasie, a mother who has lived in Goma for over four years, shared her surprise at the newfound sense of security. 'I never imagined M23 fighters were good people, that they serve God. In all my years in Goma's refugee camps, this is the first time I have spent a night without fear,' she told IGIHE.

Over the weekend, IGIHE toured various parts of the city, from the La Corniche border with Rwanda to Bilele, the Governor's Office, and Quartiers Les Volcans. While remnants of war were still visible, businesses had largely resumed.

One of the key battlegrounds was Mont Goma, where government troops made their last stand. On Tuesday, FARDC and Wazalendo militia held onto Camp Katindo, a major military base in the city center. By the weekend, however, M23 had taken full control.

At the entrance to the camp, as in most of Goma, M23 forces were stationed, ensuring security. Burned-out military trucks and abandoned ammunition provided evidence of the fierce battles that had taken place.
Stade de l'Unité, one of the city's largest stadiums, also saw combat. While bullet holes marked the walls, there were few other visible signs of the battle.

M23 fighters are now present throughout the city, including on the road to Goma International Airport. In Bilele, they walked freely through the market, greeted by residents who waved at them, a stark contrast to the fear that once gripped the population.

At UN peacekeeping bases hosting troops from Uruguay and Senegal, operations continued as usual.
Sources indicate that at least 2,100 Congolese soldiers sought refuge with MONUSCO as the fighting escalated. Their fate remains uncertain, whether they will surrender to M23, flee, or attempt to regroup.

Close to the airport, Red Cross workers were seen assessing the area trying to locate any dead bodies, as the site had witnessed heavy clashes between M23 and government forces.

Goma International Airport is currently non-operational, with M23 fully in control. Civilians passing by engaged in casual conversations with the rebels, showing no signs of fear or resistance.

Goma, a city of two million people spread across 75.72 square kilometers, is slowly returning to normal. The local economy, reliant on small-scale trade, fishing, and mineral extraction, is resuming operations under the new administration.

M23 leaders have declared that their advance will not stop in Goma. They have vowed to continue their push toward Kinshasa, aiming to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi's government, which they accuse of oppressing civilians, particularly Congolese Tutsis, many of whom have been forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries like Rwanda and Uganda.

However, a few days ago, operating under the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), the M23 rebel group announced a unilateral ceasefire citing humanitarian concerns amid the escalating conflict in eastern DRC.