**Chaos Reigns: M23 Rebels Take Control of Goma Amidst Violence**

**Goma faces rampant violence, with the M23 rebel group asserting control and local citizens suffering from the ongoing chaos as hospitals overflow with casualties.**

 

As the sun sets over Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the echoes of gunfire and the remnants of violence still linger in the air. The M23 rebel group, having seized control of this urban area of nearly two million residents, has fundamentally altered the landscape just days after a rapid assault led to the deaths of at least 700 individuals, with more than 3,000 reported injured.

Upon arrival, the vibrancy of everyday life seemed deceptive. The bustling streets were filled with vendors and commuters, but fear lurked just beneath the surface. At a checkpoint manned by armed M23 soldiers, the stark reality of the situation became apparent. The rebels, who assert they are advocating for minority rights amid accusations of being backed by Rwanda, penetrated deep into the heart of Goma with little resistance from the Congolese military.

In one of the city’s few operational hospitals, Dr. Nathaniel Cirho recounted the chaos he had witnessed. Recovering from injuries sustained by shrapnel from a nearby explosion, he expressed sorrow over a fellow victim who did not survive emergency surgery. In neighboring wards, citizens suffered from various injuries, including gunshot wounds that had recently flooded the hospital—315 new patients arrived on a single day alone, overwhelming the already strained medical staff.

“The situation is dire," a doctor at the hospital noted, mentioning that they had treated numerous women who suffered from sexual violence amidst the conflict, a tactic highlighted by the UN as a weapon of war in the ongoing struggle.

On the streets, though gunfire has subsided, normalcy remains elusive. While some businesses have reopened, others stand shuttered, as residents express their trepidation. "People are afraid… the rebels are still here,” admitted local shop owner Sammy Matabishi, referring to the pervasive uncertainty that hangs over the city.

With M23 now establishing a governmental presence throughout Goma, many residents appear resigned to their control. Rebels have taken over key government offices, including that of the North Kivu military governor, whom they reportedly killed during their takeover. Witnesses recounted seeing Congolese soldiers abandon their posts, leaving behind military gear strewn across the city.

As M23 eyes new targets, heading south towards Bukavu and beyond, the fate of Goma serves as a precarious barometer of what lies ahead for the DRC. The resulting humanitarian crisis, marked by rising injury rates and pervasive fear, underscores the urgent need for international attention to the deteriorating conditions faced by civilians in the conflict-ridden region.