Rwanda-backed M23 rebels abducted 130 hospital patients in Goma, eastern Congo, according to the United Nations. The attacks occurred on February 28, with 116 patients taken from CBCA Ndosho Hospital and 15 from Heal Africa Hospital. Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani condemned these actions and stressed the need for immediate release. M23’s actions are part of a broader escalation in violence in the region, with about 3,000 deaths reported this year.
In the latest incident, M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, abducted 130 patients from two hospitals in Goma, a crucial city in eastern Congo. The United Nations reported that these raids occurred on February 28, targeting CBCA Ndosho Hospital and Heal Africa Hospital. Of those taken, 116 patients were seized from CBCA and 15 from Heal Africa, primarily suspected to be Congolese army soldiers or members of the pro-government Wazalendo militia.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights Office, expressed grave concern, stating, “It is deeply distressing that M23 is snatching patients from hospital beds in coordinated raids and holding them incommunicado in undisclosed locations,” and urged for the immediate release of those abducted. The M23’s recent activities mark a significant escalation in violence, with around 3,000 people killed in the conflict this year alone.
The M23 rebels have rapidly expanded their control throughout eastern Congo, taking Goma and Bukavu within three weeks. This region is notably resource-rich, containing vital minerals such as gold and coltan, essential for electronics production. U.N. experts estimate approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops support these rebels, who have threatened to advance towards the Congolese capital, Kinshasa.
Rwanda accuses Congo of recruiting ethnic Hutu fighters linked to the 1994 genocide of Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Conversely, M23 claims to protect Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan descent from discrimination, while also advocating for a transformation of Congo into a modern state. However, analysts consider these justifications suspect given Rwanda’s involvement. Last week, violence in Bukavu resulted in at least 11 fatalities, further highlighting the volatile situation.
The abduction of 130 patients by M23 rebels in eastern Congo underscores a significant escalation in this ongoing conflict, intensified by external influences from Rwanda. The situation remains dire, with an alarming death toll and continued military advancements by the rebels. Urgent measures are required for the immediate release of the abducted individuals and to address the underlying causes of this humanitarian crisis, as instability continues to threaten the region.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
