Congo Camp Bombing: Rebels and Army Trade Blame
A representative from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army has attributed the deadly bombing of a displaced persons’ camp to M23 rebels. However, the rebel group, widely believed to have backing from Rwanda, has shifted the blame onto the Congolese army. Rwanda has vehemently denied any ties to the M23 rebels.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Friday, resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, most of whom were children, according to officials. The bombing took place in the eastern city of Goma, where residents sought refuge from the ongoing conflict between rebel forces and government troops in their respective hometowns and villages.
Both the rebels and government forces have faced accusations of human rights abuses against civilians as they vie for control over territory. This escalation in violence has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in the region, leaving innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
Earlier in the week, M23 rebels claimed to have seized control of a strategic town known for its coltan mining operations. Coltan is a crucial component in the production of mobile phones and batteries for electric vehicles, adding strategic significance to the conflict.
The Congolese army spokesperson, Col Guillaume N’djike, informed the BBC that Friday’s bombing was purportedly an act of retaliation by the rebels. He cited the destruction of a weapons and ammunition depot belonging to the rebels in the nearby town of Sake as the catalyst for the attack on the displaced persons’ camp.
The circulation of harrowing images depicting the aftermath of the bombing on social media further underscores the urgency of addressing the ongoing violence and instability in the region. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
