At least 700 people have been killed since Sunday in escalating violence in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a United Nations (UN) spokesperson. The armed group M23, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has seized control of the city and is advancing southward as Congolese forces and volunteers attempt to resist their progression.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners, in collaboration with the government, conducted an assessment between Sunday and Thursday,” stated Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general. The evaluation found that 700 people had been killed and 2,800 others injured, many of whom are receiving medical treatment in various health facilities.
Tensions Escalate Amidst M23’s Advance
The capture of Goma earlier this week has heightened fears of further escalation, with M23 fighters reportedly setting their sights on Kinshasa, the nation’s capital. UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix expressed concerns that the situation could spiral into a larger regional conflict.
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“If you look at historical patterns, this has the potential to trigger a broader regional war,” Lacroix warned during a press conference. “It is crucial that diplomatic efforts focus on preventing further violence and facilitating an immediate cessation of hostilities.”
Despite reports of occasional gunfire, Lacroix indicated that a sense of calm is gradually returning to Goma. However, he raised alarms over M23’s rapid advance toward Bukavu, a major city in South Kivu province. According to UN intelligence, M23 fighters and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) are approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of Bukavu and appear to be moving swiftly. There is particular concern over the potential capture of Kavumu Airport, a key strategic asset in the region.
Rwanda’s Alleged Role and Regional Concerns
The DRC has long accused Rwanda of supporting M23 to exploit the mineral-rich region, a claim substantiated by UN experts who assert that Kigali exerts “de facto control” over the armed group. However, Rwanda denies these allegations, maintaining that its primary objective is to neutralize Hutu militant factions that emerged after the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
As the crisis unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring developments, with calls for urgent diplomatic intervention to prevent further instability and humanitarian catastrophe in the region.
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