### activists at the mercy of conflicts: an analysis of the humanitarian context in Goma
The conflict in the Goma region, exacerbated by the M23 rebels offensive at the start of the year, is not limited to a simple armed struggle. It gradually turns into a humanitarian crisis where fundamental rights and freedom of expression are undermined. The critical situation in the field, reported by the NGO Human Rights Watch in its latest report, highlights the fate of more than 200 civil society activists who have been forced to request protection. This pressing need for security raises several concerns about human rights and the role of civil society organizations in contexts of armed conflict.
#### Land of conflict and its societal repercussions
Goma, often considered the crossroads of geopolitical tensions in East Africa, is the scene of a confrontation between the rebel forces of the M23 and the government elements supported by the international community. However, what is often excluded from the equation is the direct impact of this conflict on the daily life of civilians, in particular activists and journalists working for transparency and social justice.
According to the report of Human Rights Watch, the hostile descents made by the rebels of the M23 in private homes, accompanied by death threats and summary executions, not only testify to war atrocities, but also of a deliberate will to silence the dissident voices. The allegations of kidnappings, targeted assassinations, such as that of the artist Delcat Identgo, underline the fragility of the climate of freedom of expression in the region.
### International humanitarian law in danger
Human Rights Watch’s call to respect international humanitarian law in areas occupied by rebels should be a moral and legal imperative. Indeed, the international community has obligations to protect the civilian population, including activists and journalists. The fact that the AFC (Congolese forces alliance) replaces government institutions in the city of Goma reflects an imbalance in powers, making those who try to make their voices heard in an atmosphere of fear and repression.
With this in mind, it is essential to understand the infrastructure of support for human rights already existing or missing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Civil society organizations, despite significant obstacles, play a crucial role in raising awareness and documentation of human rights violations. Their current situation reflects the struggle of many societies around the world, where opposition to authoritarianism is often repressed in blood.
#### Comparison with other regional conflicts
As a comparison, recent conflicts such as those in Syria or Yemen reveal similar dynamics, where the silence of local communities is reinforced by an aggressive military intervention. The direct involvement of external forces, such as the alleged support of Rwanda to the rebels of the M23, further complicates the situation and raises questions of foreign interference and national sovereignty.
By assessing the United Nations data, statistics on human rights violations in these regions in the grip of chaos show that freedom of the press and the work of human rights defenders are often the first victims of conflicts. Alarming rates of assassinations of journalists and activists bear witness to a disturbing trend, requiring a more robust international response.
#### Conclusion: to an uncertain future
The existence of an increasing number of activists in search of protection in Goma illustrates a humanitarian crisis in continuous dilution, but also a challenge for the international community. It is imperative that the key actors, whether government or non -governmental, be held responsible for their actions. The resistance of civil society activists in the face of oppression should serve as motivation for political decision -makers, not only in the region but worldwide, to strengthen human rights protection policies.
It is crucial that the most vulnerable voices are not silenced, but rather supported and amplified. As with any conflict, the real victory lies in the ability to resilient local populations, their determination to get up against injustices and seek peace by all possible means. Civil society should not be forgotten in the quest for truth and justice, but rather to be placed at the heart of any effort of reconciliation.