Red Cross aids evacuation of hundreds of soldiers from rebel-held Goma

In recent days, hundreds of Congolese soldiers and police officers, along with their families, were evacuated from Goma, a town in eastern Congo controlled by rebels. This operation was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which announced the transfer on a Wednesday. The soldiers and police have been sheltered at a United Nations stabilization mission base since January when ongoing conflicts intensified as M23 rebels advanced and took control of Goma. The transfer to the capital Kinshasa, which is nearly 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) to the west, was welcomed by the evacuated personnel, who expressed relief at the opportunity to escape the dangerous situation in Goma. Myriam Favier, the chief of the ICRC in Goma, indicated that the operation would span several days. The news brought hope to many members of the Congolese security forces who felt disarmed after being overpowered by M23 in recent clashes, stating their intention to continue defending their homeland despite previous setbacks. Sylvain Ekenge, the spokesperson for the Congolese armed forces, expressed gratitude to the ICRC for their crucial role in facilitating this operation, emphasizing the need for compliance with agreements between the contending parties. This evacuation is significant in the broader context of ongoing tensions and violence in eastern Congo, where various armed groups, including the M23 backed by Rwandan troops, are involved in continuous fighting. Despite previously reaching agreements towards a truce, sporadic clashes have persisted, notably in the South Kivu province. The situation in eastern Congo remains dire, with millions having lost their lives since the 1990s due to violent conflicts arising from complex historical and ethnic tensions. As the ICRC carried out the transfer amidst tight security restrictions, the humanitarian crisis in the region continues to draw international attention, highlighting the urgent need for stability and peace. Upon arrival in Kinshasa, the soldiers and police officers were expected to be taken in by Congolese authorities, illustrating the state’s effort to manage this critical situation. As the conflict remains unresolved, the hope is that such initiatives can provide relief to those affected and contribute to the eventual restoration of peace and order in the region.