A Rwandan-backed armed group, M23, has ordered tens of thousands of displaced people to leave camps around Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Human Rights Watch says this is a possible war crime under international law.
The M23 took control of Goma on January 27 and many displaced people returned to their villages or fled to Goma, where they faced dire conditions with limited aid. In February, the group told camp leaders and residents west of Goma that they had 72 hours to leave.
Critics say this is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. Clémentine de Montjoye, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch, says: “The M23’s order to forcibly remove tens of thousands of displaced people from camps to areas with no support is both cruel and a possible war crime.”
Many displaced people were not able to leave because they had lost their homes, disabilities, or large families that needed support. Aid workers say that the M23 has looted some camps, making it impossible for humanitarian organizations to work there.
The Rwandan-backed group claims that internally displaced persons are “voluntarily returning” to their homes in liberated areas, but aid workers and residents disagree, saying that they were forced out by the M23. The situation is critical, with many people unable to access essential aid like food, water, shelter, and medicine.
Human Rights Watch is calling on Rwanda, regional bodies, and donors to press the Rwandan government and M23 to ensure civilians’ rights and access to humanitarian aid. They should urge all warring parties to facilitate safe passage for displaced people who choose to leave the city.
Source: https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/02/13/dr-congo-m23-drives-displaced-people-goma-camps