DR Congo city residents forced to adapt during year of M23 rule

On Thu, Jan 26, 2023, Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, fell under the control of the M23 armed group. This event trapped approximately one million residents in their homes as the Congolese army and its allies retreated from the city.

Military Engagement and Civilian Impact

The conflict saw hundreds of Rwandan soldiers entering the region to support the M23 in a swift offensive. The clashes resulted in thousands of casualties. Medical facilities were overwhelmed by the influx of injured individuals, and morgues were filled with bodies.

Following the capture, the M23 enforced strict control over the city. They organized operations to identify and detain individuals deemed suspicious. Reports from NGOs highlighted concerns about torture and extrajudicial executions at secret detention sites. Despite these measures, some residents noted an improvement in street safety.

In October, the M23 began appointing magistrates, although there were concerns about impartiality. The group also imposed taxes to fund their operations, despite the closure of banks by the government to cut off financial support to the rebellion. The economic impact was felt acutely, with civil servants and residents adapting to the use of Rwanda's currency in local markets.

The M23 launched an offensive in December on the strategic town of Uvira. The group forcibly recruited civilians and former government soldiers, announcing an increase of 7,000 new members. The ongoing conflict has severely affected trade and access to resources, leaving residents to adapt to the challenging situation.

Based on reporting by Africanews.