The recent abductions of patients from hospitals in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) mark a troubling escalation in the ongoing conflict, as the M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, continues to expand its military presence in the region. This surge of violence has led to significant territorial gains for the group and heightened humanitarian concerns.
Details of the abductions
According to a report from the United Nations, M23 rebels forcibly removed over 130 sick and injured individuals from two hospitals in Goma, a strategically important city they captured earlier this year. On February 28, the group launched coordinated attacks on CBCA Ndosho Hospital and Heal Africa Hospital, taking 116 patients from the former and 15 from the latter. The insurgents justified these actions by accusing the patients of being members of the Congolese army or affiliated with the pro-government Wazalendo militia.
“It is deeply distressing that M23 is snatching patients from hospital beds in coordinated raids and holding them incommunicado in undisclosed locations,” stated Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office.
Ongoing conflict and humanitarian impact
This incident is part of a broader trend of violence that has seen M23 rapidly capture key cities in eastern DRC since the beginning of the year, resulting in an estimated 3,000 fatalities. The group has successfully taken control of Goma and has recently extended its reach to Bukavu, the region’s second-largest city.
The eastern DRC is rich in natural resources, particularly gold and coltan, which is essential for manufacturing consumer electronics. Analysts highlight that the conflict is not only a struggle for power but also a battle for the control of these lucrative resources. Reports suggest that M23 is bolstered by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation towards the DRC’s capital, Kinshasa.
As tensions mount, Rwanda has accused the DRC of recruiting Hutu combatants involved in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi minority, complicating the already volatile situation. While M23 claims to be defending Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan descent from discrimination, many experts view these assertions as mere pretexts for Rwanda’s ongoing intervention.
The situation remains critical, with recent violence resulting in at least 11 fatalities during an M23 rally in Bukavu, and further escalation seems inevitable as the conflict continues to unfold.