M23 Rebels Abduct 130 Patients in Hospital Raid as Conflict Escalates in Eastern Congo

M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, launched an attack in eastern Congo last week and abducted at least 130 sick and injured patients from two hospitals in Goma, the United Nations reported on Monday.
The rebels targeted CBCA Ndosho Hospital and Heal Africa Hospital on the night of February 28, taking 116 and 15 patients, respectively, according to Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights Office. The kidnapped individuals are believed to be soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or members of a government-aligned militia, Wazalendo.
Shamdasani voiced deep concern, calling the abduction of patients from their hospital beds during organized raids “extremely troubling” and urged for their immediate release. The detainees have been taken to undisclosed locations.
The Tutsi-led M23 group entered Goma in late January and has rapidly expanded its control over eastern Congo, seizing territory and gaining access to valuable mineral resources. This escalation, which began in late December, marks the latest and most intense chapter in a long-standing conflict tied to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the struggle for control of Congo’s rich mineral wealth.
Congo, along with the U.N. and Western nations, accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim that Rwanda denies. Rwanda argues that it is defending itself against ethnic Hutu militias operating in Congo, which pose a threat to both Tutsis and Rwanda itself.
Since January, nearly 7,000 people have died in the conflict in eastern Congo, and around 500,000 people have been displaced following the destruction of 90 refugee camps. Despite efforts such as international sanctions, International Criminal Court investigations, and African-led peace talks, the rebels continue to make advances, having taken control of Goma and Bukavu, two of the region’s largest cities.