Narrative:
1. Business in Goma is gradually
returning to normal following the withdrawal of M23 rebels on 30th November 2012. The anti government militia seized Goma with little
resistance. The streets are calm, with most businesses reopening,
including some of the banks. A number of evacuated UN staff have returned to their respective
stations.
2.
M23 rebels advanced on the city
on 20 November, and the Congolese Army retreated with little fighting. M23 forces
then paraded through the city, with some residents turning out to welcome them. Congolese customs officers abandoned their posts, leaving the Rwandan border open.United Nations peacekeepers watched the occupation
without intervening, stating that their mandate was only to protect civilians.
 |
| Crowds turn out to hear M23 at Goma Stadium |
3.
It was later reported that
M23 rebels acquired approximately 20 shipping containers of arms and ammunition of various calibers, as well as 6 artillery pieces (type 26 and BM type rocket launchers), all of which
were abandoned by the Congolese Army during its retreat.
4.
On 22 November, General Gabriel Amis, in charge of the Congolese Army in
North Kivu province was suspended pending an inquiry into his alleged
role in the sale of arms to various rebel groups in the eastern part of the
country, which may have included M23. On 23 November M23 rebels took Sake
from the government army after an intense four-hour battle and reinforced their
position in the town.
5.
On 24 November at a regional meeting in Kampala, leaders
of the Great Lakes area gave M23 a two-day ultimatum to leave Goma, so that a
conglomerate force could take charge of security, which would include
international troops, an FARDC contingent, and an M23 contingent to be posted
near Goma Airport. The ultimatum expired on 26 November with M23 still
controlling the city.
6.
On 30 November, M23 troops
began to withdraw and the first compliment of two hundred police officers
arrived in Goma on the same day.
7.
It is alleged that M23 operatives are keeping
a presence in the city, dressed in civilian police uniform. On the eve of the
withdrawal date, M23 rebels have been accused of going door to door in some of
Goma’s suburbs, looting personal possessions, money, mobile phones, and
vehicles.
8.
On 3 December 2012, government officials re-entered Goma, two days after M23 had left the city.
Current situation and
assumptions:
9.
Despite
Goma cooling down, it will be no surprise if the conflict flares up again. Goma
is controlled by the Congolese police and the government army is not permitted
to enter the city until current negotiations between rebels
and government in Kampala are concluded. The principal rebel demands centre around North and South Kivu being left under their administration, whilst recognizing Kabila as president.
10.
M23 rebels remain 20 kms from the city awaiting the outcome
of the Kampala talks.
11.
Crime
in Goma – Criminal activity in Goma has increased following the escape of
prisoners after prison warders fled during the rebel advance. Several cases of rape, murder and break-ins
are reported daily. Many residents have armed themselves against criminals. Last
week alone Goma residents lynched 6 alleged thieves and rapists.
