Violence escalates in eastern Congo as M23 rebels seize Goma, displacing thousands

GOMA, Congo — Violence in eastern Congo has intensified as M23 rebels seized Goma, displacing thousands. Families like Zawadi Sifa's have fled multiple times, seeking safety in camps that are now under threat from ongoing fighting. The recent escalation has resulted in around 3,000 deaths since late January, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. Goma, a key humanitarian hub, was already hosting 700,000 displaced people before the latest violence. Rebels claim to have restored order in Goma, but reports of violence and human rights abuses persist. Many displaced individuals, including Sifa, face uncertain futures, struggling for basic necessities while fearing for their safety if they attempt to return home.