Saké, a strategic town located about twenty kilometers west of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), remains a focal point amidst recent clashes between government forces and M23 rebels. These skirmishes underscore the escalating violence in eastern DRC, prompting concerns from the United Nations Security Council.
Assurances from the Congolese government suggest that Saké remains under the control of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC). Patrick Muyaya, the government spokesperson, reiterated this stance, emphasizing efforts to safeguard Saké’s population and surrounding areas. The recent visit of the Defense Minister to Goma underscores Kinshasa’s commitment to reclaiming full territorial control.
In light of recent reports of heightened conflict, humanitarian access in the region is increasingly restricted. Despite efforts by FARDC and allied armed groups, such as the Wazalendo, to maintain control in Saké’s city center, M23 rebels continue to pose a threat from the surrounding hills. The town’s strategic significance as a gateway to Goma and a crucial hub for provincial connectivity intensifies the stakes of the conflict.
Tragically, recent hostilities have resulted in civilian casualties and forced displacement. A bomb strike on a displaced persons’ camp outside Saké claimed several lives and injured numerous others, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The intensification of fighting has prompted mass displacement, further exacerbating the region’s humanitarian crisis.
Amidst these developments, humanitarian agencies, including Médecins Sans Frontières, underscore the urgent need for increased access to affected populations. As the situation in eastern DRC continues to unfold, efforts to address the root causes of conflict and facilitate humanitarian assistance remain paramount.