### Goma: between medical care and armed conflicts, a night of terror at CBCA/NDOSHO hospital
On the night of Sunday, March 2, an operation of M23 rebels at CBCA/NDOSHO hospital, in the heart of Goma in the province of North Kivu, captivated the attention of the national and international media. At least 112 people, including healed patients and malades, were taken to unknown destination when a violent foray took place in this institution supposed to be a health and recovery sanctuary. But beyond this disturbing operation hides an disconcerting reality which deserves an in-depth analysis.
### The impact of violence on the health system
The brutality of the foray raises crucial questions about the integrity of the health system in conflict areas. The hospital, beyond being a care establishment, plays a fundamental role by offering a refuge to civilians affected by violence. However, the infiltration of armed groups in these spaces shows that war is not limited to clashes on the battlefield, but also invites itself into places that should guarantee life.
This phenomenon recalls the dark periods of conflicts in Syria or Yemen, where hospitals have become targets and removal places. The challenges encountered by hospitals in the context of war are exacerbated by a shortage of resources, threatened personnel and the risk of being considered as allies or political supports from a camp or another. In Goma, the situation is all the more worrying since it takes place in an environment where hospitals must juggle urgent medical needs while protecting themselves from external threats.
#### A growing psychosis within the population
The M23 operation accentuated a psychosis already well installed among the inhabitants of Goma. Indeed, such violence strengthens the climate of insecurity and distrust between the population and the authorities. The fear of reprisals leads to an accomplice silence, where civilians, often caught between armed groups and security forces, prefer to refrain from speaking. This silence on violence has deep repercussions on social cohesion and community resilience.
Compared, regions like Iraq or Afghanistan have experienced post-conflict transition phases marked by the reconstruction of social relations. This could suggest that at the end of the conflict, it is essential to strengthen confidence in local communities to promote real lasting peace. Such an approach could also be applied to Goma, where the need for reconciliation and psychosocial assistance programs is crucial to help victims of kidnappings and violence.
### Responses and strategies of the authorities
Faced with this escalation of violence, the responses of the Congolese authorities remain largely insufficient. The government must develop security strategies which do not focus only on the use of force, but which also engage dialogues with the actors involved in the conflict – including rebel leaders – to promote lasting peace.
In addition, increased international support is essential. The international community must intervene not only by providing humanitarian aid, but also by placing diplomatic pressure on armed groups so that they respect human rights. Monitoring mechanisms, such as human rights missions, could help accounts for violations suffered by civilians.
### towards a better understanding of conflict dynamics
Finally, Goma’s incident should not be perceived as an isolated event, but as a symptom of deeper problems of governance and regional instability. A comparative analysis with other conflicts in Central Africa, such as the situation in the Central African Republic or in South Sudan, reveals recurring themes of ethnic rivalries and access to resources, exacerbated by faulty political management.
It is imperative that the discourse surrounding armed conflicts evolves to take into account human realities behind the statistics. Goma population stories must be heard. It is essential to encourage a narration which not only denounces violence, but also offers alternatives based on solidarity, community healing and effective peace.
In conclusion, the M23 operation at the CBCA/NDOSHO hospital illustrates the complexity of contemporary conflicts where violence interferes even in the most sacred spaces of human life. This calls for a collective reflection on the means of protection of civilians, the importance of the health system in wartime, and the strategies to be adopted to repair the social fabric torn by years of conflict.