Congo’s health ministry reported 773 bodies in hospital morgues and streets around the city of Goma, east Congo’s largest city, following this week’s offensive by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The Tutsi-led rebels seized Goma on Tuesday and have since moved towards Bukavu. Congolese troops supported by Burundi’s army have pushed back, but fighting continues.
The humanitarian crisis has worsened, with thousands more people streaming into the city as rebels advanced. Humanitarian organizations struggled to operate during the fighting, supporting overwhelmed hospitals and providing relief amid widespread looting.
A shortage of medical supplies, ambulances, and body bags was reported by Congo’s health ministry, with security concerns limiting access to parts of the city. Daily life in Goma is slowly resuming, but markets remain scarce, and food prices are high.
The rebels claim they aim to restore order and govern, with power and water partially restored. However, human rights violations have been reported, including summary executions, bombing of displacement camps, gang rape, and other forms of violence.
Fighting has stalled, and the army has taken back several villages in Kalehe territory. Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye warned he would retaliate against any Rwandan encroachment into his country. The international community has called for a ceasefire amid repeated allegations of Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels.
Congo denies supporting the rebels and accuses Rwanda of using them to pillage valuable minerals. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with thousands displaced and in need of aid.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/fighting-stalls-east-congo-troops-push-back-rwanda-backed-rebels-2025-02-01