Rwanda : Congolese refugees rejoice after the capture of Goma

In the Congolese refugee camps in Rwanda, spontaneous scenes of jubilation broke out on Monday following the announcement of the capture of Goma, capital of the North Kivu province, by M23 rebels. The occupants of these sites come from this province in eastern Congo, for the most part.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

From the early hours of the morning, the Rwandophone refugees, originally from North Kivu, gathered at the Mahama camp, which hosts more than 23,000 Congolese. In village 7, on the public square nicknamed “Ku Musenyi”, they celebrated this significant event.

Without placards, but animated by a surge of joy, refugees chanted festive songs and beat drums made from empty cans. Some expressed their enthusiasm in these terms : “Our valiant sons and daughters have taken a giant step by capturing Goma. We are delighted that finally our Rwandophone communities who remained in the country will be protected and secured. We will also be able to return to our villages.”

Tribute to leaders of the M23

Religious songs were transformed into praise for the leaders of the M23, such as General Sultan Makenga, commander of the movement’s general staff. Some participants shouted : “This God who protected Makenga will also protect me. Long live the M23!” These festivities were accompanied by harsh criticism of the Congolese government, accused of neglecting the protection of part of its population.

Meanwhile, photos circulated among the protesters showing former neighbors who had joined the rebels. One woman, moved to tears, said, “This is Felix, who used to live right next door to me. He had disappeared, and I didn’t know where he had gone. But I am delighted that he is among the liberators of our people.” An elderly man added, “Several young men and girls from our camps have left. Some of them sometimes come back on holiday here in Mahama. We recognize them very well.”

Discreet surveillance

The demonstration took place without the visible presence of the UNHCR or Rwandan government staff. However, Rwandan police were present, at a distance, to ensure public order, according to witnesses.

Consequences of the capture of Goma

The fall of Goma to the M23 could lead to an additional influx of refugees into Rwanda. Since last weekend, hundreds of Congolese have already crossed the border to flee the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC. Rwanda is currently hosting more than 80,000 Congolese refugees, mostly from North Kivu.

The situation remains tense, with potential repercussions for regional balances.

——-

A gathering of Congolese refugees in the Mahama camp in Rwanda after the capture of Goma by M23 rebels, January 2025 (SOS Médias Burundi)