As Rwanda-backed rebels seized Goma, the families of Congolese soldiers became a primary target for reprisals and violence. The M23 rebels, accused of receiving support from Rwanda, launched attacks that not only aimed at military targets but also extended to civilians, with the families of Congolese soldiers being particularly vulnerable. As Goma fell into rebel hands, these families faced increasing threats from rebel forces seeking to undermine the morale of the Congolese military and deter further resistance.
Reports suggest that many soldiers’ families were displaced, harassed, or even killed, as the rebels sought to create an atmosphere of fear and instability in the region. The humanitarian situation in Goma rapidly deteriorated, as thousands of civilians fled the violence, while those left behind suffered from the brutality of the ongoing conflict. This attack on families represents a wider strategy by the rebels to weaken the resolve of the Congolese army and exert control over the strategically important Goma region.
This escalation of violence not only threatens the lives of civilians but also exacerbates the regional instability, with both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) facing mounting pressure from the international community to resolve the conflict. The targeting of families signals a dangerous escalation of the conflict, further complicating peace efforts in the Great Lakes region.