### State of humanitarian emergency: the confluence of tragedies in Sake and Goma
The conflict ravaging the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is plunging local populations into true humanitarian chaos. The clashes between the Congolese army, supported by local allies, and the M23, a militia accredited with Kosovar support, are plunging the town of Sake and its surroundings into a spiral of violence and despair. This hotbed of tension is not only a geographical or military change, but a profound psychological trauma that goes beyond borders and affects the regional community as a whole.
#### A mass exodus: a population on the move
In Goma, the capital of the North Kivu province, the massive arrival of displaced people fleeing the fighting clearly illustrates the gravity of the situation. More than 20,000 people were counted in a single week, according to estimates by humanitarian associations. This exodus, although concentrated in Goma, embodies a broader migration phenomenon. Many choose Rwanda as a last refuge, reviving memories of the 1994 genocide and the complexity of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The poignant stories of Alice, Kanyere and Haguma Banga illustrate the tragic experience of a generation that rediscovers fear and anxiety every day. The fact that Amina, a mother, is forced to leave her husband is evidence of the family fractures that this conflict exacerbates. It is not only houses that are abandoned; it is human ties, memories and dreams that evaporate under the weight of bombs and bullets.
#### Regional impact: beyond borders
Although the situation seems to be worsening locally, it also resonates regionally. The historical tensions between the DRC and Rwanda find a new echo in this crisis. Allegations of Rwandan support for the M23 only add fuel to the fire in an already delicate relationship. Rwanda’s handling of Congolese refugees, applauded by some, raises concerns about the impact of such a situation on political stability in the Great Lakes region as a whole.
The African Union’s statistics on forced displacement in East Africa are worrying. In 2022, nearly 80% of East African countries saw an increase in the number of refugees and internally displaced people. The case of the DRC is part of a vicious cycle of conflict, where the proliferation of militias, armed groups and vested political interests translate into unprecedented human suffering.
#### Towards a sustainable solution: contemporary challenges
The international community, while concerned about the situation in Goma, must rethink its approach. The reaction of the French Institute in Goma, which is suspending its activities, illustrates the reluctance that can set in during a crisis.. As the local community seeks escape routes, international actors must develop solutions that transcend armed conflicts.
NGOs, while present, must step up their efforts. Mediations between the Congolese government and M23 leaders must be strengthened, with particular attention paid to the root causes of these conflicts. Statistics show that in 2021, North Kivu recorded more than 330 armed incidents, a figure that continues to rise. The need for a massive humanitarian intervention but also for a constructive and inclusive dialogue is more pressing than ever.
#### Conclusion: A call for solidarity
The crisis in Sake and Goma is not only a matter of national security or territorial integrity; it challenges our collective humanity. The individual stories that emerge from this tragedy must be heard and understood as part of a broader approach of solidarity and support.
As thousands of Congolese desperately seek refuge, the international community must come together not only to provide immediate relief, but also to challenge the power structures and war economy in the region. Peace and reconciliation can only be achieved if human suffering is placed at the center, through respectful and constructive dialogue. Fatshimetrie will need to monitor these developments closely, in order to continue reporting on the critical issues that transcend the cycle of violence and abuse that has plagued this region for too long.