The Democratic Republic of Congo government blames M23 rebels for killing 52 civilians Friday night in eastern Goma city. Officials accused the rebel group of serious human rights violations through an official statement from Vice Prime Minister Jacquemain Shabani. Heavy gunfire started around 10 p.m. local time, causing widespread fear among people living in the Keshero and Lac-Vert neighborhoods. The area became somewhat peaceful on Saturday morning.
Local media reported fighting between M23 rebels who control Goma and armed groups linked to Wazalendo militias and government forces. M23 claimed through state radio that government troops and Wazalendo fighters attacked their positions during the night. The rebels have run their administration in Goma since taking it over in January, as battles continue elsewhere in North Kivu province. UN reports show about one million people have fled their homes in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces since late January because of increased fighting between army forces and various armed groups. Nearly 400,000 children count among those displaced.
Local media reported fighting between M23 rebels who control Goma and armed groups linked to Wazalendo militias and government forces. M23 claimed through state radio that government troops and Wazalendo fighters attacked their positions during the night. The rebels have run their administration in Goma since taking it over in January, as battles continue elsewhere in North Kivu province. UN reports show about one million people have fled their homes in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces since late January because of increased fighting between army forces and various armed groups. Nearly 400,000 children count among those displaced.
