Call for peace as the M23 rebels advance to take the city of Goma

At 3pm on Friday the main power line to Goma was hit by the M23. And much of the city has been without power since then. Significant areas are also without water. Communications are patchy and food prices have doubled.

On Saturday as a family we left the city. It was eerily silent for midday. We met many of our expatriate colleagues at the border, heading over as well. Particularly those with children. Those with the possibility of leaving. The vast majority are still there, trapped in an unfolding humanitarian crisis. The IDP camps have emptied. Hospitals are overwhelmed. People are sheltering wherever they think they might be safe.

Over the border in Gisenyi we could still hear the bombs. And then on Sunday morning we heard that the Rwandan army has crossed the border into Goma. The 48 hours that followed saw non-stop fighting for control of the city. 

There has been a prison break with over 4,000 prisoners escaping from the main prison. There has ben widespread looting. Most residents cower in fear in their homes, unable to communicate with loved ones. Some of those who have ventured out have been caught in the crossfire. Eyewitnesses report bodies in the streets. NGOs and hospitals have been hit. There are reports of sexual violence. Yet one more layer of trauma for those who have suffered too long.

Most recent reports from Tuesday are that the M23 control almost all of the city including the airport. Some Congolese soldiers have handed over their arms. Others have fled over the border. There are some remaining pockets of resistance by the Wazalendo (freedom-fighters/local militia). Some semblance of calm is returning, but not everywhere. The full scale of the destruction will take days to emerge. (Above photo from Monday’s march for peace in Bukavu)

We have issued the following Goma Call for Peace

Call from the Bishop of Goma for the international community to act immediately and decisively for peace in eastern DRC

With the escalation of the conflict in eastern DRC following Sunday’s incursion of Rwandan troops into Congolese sovereign territory on the Goma/Rubavu border, and mindful of the subsequent humanitarian and security risks in the region, the international community must act now.

In solidarity with those suffering in Goma and across eastern DRC, we call for (PDF letter here)

1. The immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities and respect of the existing ceasefire agreement.

2. The protection of the civilian population and an urgent humanitarian response including the restoration of power and water to the city.

3. The withdrawal of those external forces from DRC soil which are in clear violation of DRC’s territorial sovereignty. This includes the M23 and the RDF.

4. A resumption of dialogue in good faith between Kigali and Kinshasa believing that peaceful and diplomatic means are the only way to end the conflict which has already caused untold suffering.

5. The international community to invest every effort and to consider using all possible means to bring peace to eastern DRC.

People in the region want only peace.

Rt Revd. Martin Gordon, Anglican Bishop of Goma