In the aftermath of the M23 rebel group's capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, numerous reports have emerged of looting and confiscation of property belonging to Congolese political figures.
Residents of Goma have reported instances of M23 rebels seizing homes and vehicles belonging to individuals connected to former officials, including General Peter Chirimwami, the former military governor of North Kivu, who was assassinated on January 23.
Local civil society organizations have documented the confiscation of vehicles belonging to the Congolese army, government agencies, and even some humanitarian organizations. They have also reported the forced occupation of buildings and offices belonging to state officials and high-ranking Congolese military officers.
The M23 has acknowledged the seizures, stating that they have returned 14 stolen vehicles to their owners. However, they have indicated that they will not return property belonging to the state or government officials.
The situation in Goma remains volatile, with reports of armed men entering homes at night. Security analysts attribute this to the escape of nearly 4,400 inmates from Goma's central prison on January 27.