As armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, intensify their offensive in eastern Congo, children are increasingly falling victim to horrific violence. Reports of shootings, sexual violence, and killings have surged as the conflict spreads through the region.
One tragic incident occurred in Goma when Suzanne Amisi Wilonja’s 10-year-old son, Sylvain, was shot in the head by retreating army soldiers who raided their home near the airport in January. The family could not reach medical help in time due to the ongoing clashes, and Sylvain died from his wounds. Wilonja tearfully recalled the harrowing experience, unable to seek assistance as soldiers barricaded their door.
The United Nations (UN) has warned of a sharp rise in child recruitment, abductions, and killings, as M23 forces make significant territorial gains. In Bukavu, the region’s second-largest city, the UN reported the execution of three children by M23 fighters, though the group denied the allegations.
Sexual violence has escalated dramatically, with over 570 cases of rape recorded in Goma in the week following its fall. Among the victims, 170 were children. Healthcare workers described some of the attacks as particularly brutal, with girls suffering severe internal injuries. The rise in gang rapes, particularly of young girls, has also been noted in both Goma and Bukavu.
The M23, which is part of a long-standing conflict rooted in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and disputes over mineral resources, claims to be working to restore order. However, their actions have intensified fear and suffering, particularly among children. Many families are fleeing the violence, but children are particularly vulnerable. The UN refugee agency reported that some children are dying from exhaustion while attempting to escape to neighboring Burundi.
Despite the promises from M23 to restore stability, it is clear that the ongoing violence has taken a devastating toll on the region’s children. For those like 19-year-old Emile Bashali, the trauma is personal. His baby sister, Keyna, was killed when a bomb struck their home in Goma. He described the agonizing moment when doctors informed him of her death after attempting surgery on her serious injuries.
As the conflict deepens, the UN and various organizations continue to document and respond to the increasing humanitarian crisis, but for many children in eastern Congo, it may already be too late.