DRC: Hundreds Dead in the Last 3 Days
The escalation of the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached alarming levels in recent weeks, with intense fighting leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
The city of Goma, capital of North Kivu province, has become the epicenter of violence after the M23 armed group, supported by Rwandan forces, announced its capture. The humanitarian situation is critical, with hospitals overwhelmed and the civilian population facing fear and uncertainty.
According to data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Congolese government, at least 700 people died and 2.800 were injured in the fighting that took place between January 26 and the end of last week, and in the last three days alone, more than 3 people died.
The UN warns that these numbers could rise further, given the instability and the presence of unexploded ordnance in the affected areas. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of UN peacekeeping operations, described the situation as "tense and volatile”, with occasional shootings continuing to frighten the inhabitants of Goma.
The conflict in eastern DRC is not limited to Goma. Ituri province, in the northeast of the country, has also been the scene of violent attacks, this time carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group with links to the Islamic State.
In a recent attack, at least 28 civilians were killed in villages in the Walese Vonkutu region. This widespread violence led Pope Francis to call for an end to hostilities, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and find diplomatic solutions to the conflict.
Gum Taking
The M23 armed group, supported by Rwandan forces, announced on Monday the capture of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC. This development marked a critical point in the conflict that has lasted more than three years.
According to UN reports, the fighting in Goma has left bodies in the streets and hospitals overwhelmed, with more than 100 dead and around XNUMX injured recorded in the last three days alone.
The situation is described as "chaotic," with people fleeing en masse to safer areas. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of UN peacekeeping operations, expressed concern about the advance of the M23 and Rwandan forces toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
“According to the information I have, the M23 and the RDF (Rwandan armed forces) are about 60 kilometers from Bukavu and are advancing rapidly.”, he said.
The potential seizure of Kavumu airport, located south of Goma, is seen as an additional threat to the region's stability. The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of directly supporting the M23, an allegation that Kigali denies.
However, reports from UN experts confirm the presence of Rwandan soldiers in Congolese territory, as well as the supply of weapons and logistics to the rebel group. This external intervention has heightened tensions between the two countries, with the UN Security Council condemning the "blatant disrespect” for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.
Humanitarian Crisis
The escalation of the conflict in eastern DRC has created a massive humanitarian crisis. Since the beginning of January, more than 500.000 people have been displaced by the fighting, according to Congolese government figures. Many of these people now find themselves in overcrowded refugee camps, without access to food, clean water, or adequate medical care.
The UN and several non-governmental organizations are on the ground trying to provide assistance, but resources are insufficient given the magnitude of the crisis. Pope Francis called for an end to the violence, highlighting the need to protect the civilian population and find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
“I urge all parties to the conflict to commit themselves to the cessation of hostilities and the protection of the civilian population of Goma and other areas affected by military operations,” said the supreme pontiff.
The call has been echoed by several international leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who appointed a new commander for the peacekeeping forces in the DRC. The international community has been pressured to act, but so far, responses have been limited.
Uruguay announced a ceasefire brokered by the UN mission, but the agreement has not yet been officially confirmed by the Congolese government or the M23. Meanwhile, protesters in Kinshasa attacked several embassies, including Rwanda's, accusing foreign countries of inaction in the face of the crisis.
ADF in Ituri
While attention focuses on Goma, Ituri province in northeastern DRC continues to be plagued by attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). This rebel group, of Ugandan origin, has links to the Islamic State and is responsible for numerous attacks against civilians in the region.
In a recent incident, at least 28 people were killed in villages in the Walese Vonkutu district, according to the Convention for the Respect of Human Rights (CRDH). The ADF has been the target of joint military operations between the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and the Ugandan army, but the results have been limited.
The Ituri region, rich in gold and other natural resources, is a major flashpoint for conflict, with several armed groups vying for control of the territory. The presence of the ADF and other militias has made life hell for the local population, with frequent reports of massacres, kidnappings, and sexual violence.
Conclusion
The escalating conflict in eastern DRC poses a serious threat not only to the country's stability but to the entire Great Lakes region. The capture of Goma by the M23, the advance of Rwandan forces, and the ADF attacks in Ituri have created a landscape of widespread violence, with devastating consequences for the civilian population.
The international community has a crucial role to play in resolving this conflict, but so far, responses have been insufficient. It is urgent that every diplomatic effort be made to achieve a ceasefire and ensure the protection of civilians.
The humanitarian crisis in the DRC demands a coordinated and effective response that goes beyond statements of condemnation and calls for peace. Meanwhile, the Congolese people continue to pay the highest price in a war that seems to have no end in sight.
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Picture: © 2025 Moise Niyonzima / EPA
