Nearly 3,000 people have been killed in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, following intense fighting between rebels and the Congolese army, according to the United Nations. Vivian van de Perre, deputy head of the UN mission in DR Congo, reported that “so far 2,000 bodies have been collected from the Goma streets in recent days, and 900 bodies remain in the morgues of the Goma hospitals.” She warned that “we expect this number to go up,” as many bodies remain in inaccessible areas.
The rebel coalition Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes M23, has taken control of Goma, a city of about 2 million people. The UN reported that at least 700 people were killed and 2,800 injured in recent clashes. The Congolese army and local volunteers are attempting to resist further advances. Meanwhile, M23 has announced a ceasefire, but the Congolese government dismissed it as “false communication,” and heavy fighting continues in South Kivu.
The conflict has displaced thousands, with nearly 2,000 civilians seeking refuge at UN peacekeeping bases. The situation remains dire, with Van de Perre describing the conditions as “highly volatile with a persistent risk of escalation.” The UN is particularly concerned about losing access to Bukavu’s Kavumu airport, which is crucial for humanitarian aid. “We are gravely concerned at losing Kavumu airport, which is critical for ongoing civilian and humanitarian use,” she stated.
M23, which broke away from the Congolese army over a decade ago, claims to defend minority Tutsi interests. The Congolese government, the United States, and the UN accuse Rwanda of backing the group, though Rwanda denies involvement. However, Rwandan President Paul Kagame stated, “We will do what’s needed to protect ourselves.”
The rebels continue to consolidate control in North Kivu and have expressed plans to capture more territory, including the capital Kinshasa. “We are going to fight until we get to Kinshasa,” M23 leader Corneille Nangaa declared. The Congolese government has not officially confirmed the rebel takeover but acknowledged their presence. “All exit routes from Goma are under their control,” Van de Perre said, emphasizing the “growing humanitarian crisis.”
Link: CNN
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