Mourning Congo Mourners Point Fingers at Rwanda-Backed Rebels for Attack, Expressing Grief and Anger

The grief and anger were palpable as families gathered near the line of small coffins in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, mourning the children and others killed in a devastating rocket attack. The attack, which took place on May 3, targeted camps sheltering displaced people around the city of Goma, resulting in the deaths of mostly children and women.

Relatives held up crosses bearing the names of the deceased, with many directing their accusations towards Rwanda, accusing the country of backing the M23 insurgents responsible for the assault. Rwanda has vehemently denied any involvement in the attack, stating that it is being used as a scapegoat.

The mass funeral held at a cemetery in Kibati saw the burial of 22 children, many in half-sized caskets or smaller, alongside the bodies of 13 other victims. One grieving relative, Fikiri Mvano, shared the heartbreaking loss of his daughter-in-law and three grandchildren in the attack, attributing their deaths to bombs allegedly dropped by Rwanda in support of the M23.

The ongoing conflict in the region, marked by the resurgence of M23 activities, has forced tens of thousands to flee their homes, adding to the longstanding humanitarian crisis in the area. The recent escalation of violence has brought the fighting closer to Goma, leaving residents feeling trapped and vulnerable.

As the community mourns the senseless loss of innocent lives, questions linger about the motives behind the attack and the potential for further violence in the region. The need for peace and stability in eastern Congo remains paramount as families continue to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event.