Displaced civilians in Democratic Republic of Congo face frenzy of fear and uncertainty
Displaced civilians in Democratic Republic of Congo face frenzy of fear and uncertainty
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Hundreds of displaced Congolese marched down a sloping road in northeast Goma with their lives on their backs. Mothers with mattresses strapped to them dragged their toddlers alongside and trucks brimmed with bodies and belongings. Many of them have been displaced more than once, as the violent insurgency waged by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels against the Congolese army spread furiously in 2024.
Read more: At least 13 peacekeepers killed in DRC. It reached new heights in recent weeks as they seized control of large swathes of territory in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and now, are advancing on the regional capital Goma. The humanitarian hub is marked for capture by M23 with dozens of diplomats and non-essential United Nations (UN) staff evacuated by planes, cars and ferries.
As they leave, 250,000 of the most vulnerable Congolese pour into the city for safety. We watched the movement near Goma's Kihisi roundabout as hordes of civilians walked in the middle of the road with experience and urgency. As we stopped to mark their plight, a small crowd stopped to stare at us.
Reports were circling that Rwandan troops had crossed the border into Goma just 5km from where we were standing - an invasion later confirmed by the UN top official in the DRC, Bintu Keita. As we pressed record, a man with rageful red eyes pointed at me and yelled violently. We were attacked as we tried to escape.
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