The M23 rebel group organized a public memorial service in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday for 22 civilians killed in a recent drone attack, highlighting the ongoing human cost of the conflict.
Emotional Scene in Goma
Twenty-two coffins were placed in front of grieving families and local residents in Goma. Women wailed and cried out in sorrow as they mourned relatives and neighbours lost in the strike.
Mireille Kasole, who lost her younger sister, said: “We lost friends, comrades, and loved ones. My little sister went to Masisi for work — and she never came back.”
M23 Points Finger at Government
The rebels, who control large areas of eastern Congo with alleged Rwandan backing, blamed the Congolese authorities for the attack. Coordinator Corneille Nangaa accused President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of targeting innocent people without distinguishing between fighters and civilians.
The government in Kinshasa has not commented on the allegations.
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
Eastern DRC remains one of the world’s most unstable regions, with over 100 armed groups fighting for control of valuable minerals. The United Nations and U.S. sources estimate more than 7 million people have been displaced by the violence.
Despite recent diplomatic efforts in Washington and Doha, clashes continue, leaving civilians to bear the heaviest burden.
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