The violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has escalated dramatically, with Goma at the epicenter, leaving thousands dead and many more suffering.
Quick Takes
- Nearly 3,000 casualties have been recorded in the DRC due to escalating violence.
- Goma is under the control of M23 rebels, disrupting humanitarian efforts.
- Severe human rights abuses are reported, with extensive prison escapes.
- The DRC government is pushing for investigations, facing significant challenges.
The Situation in Goma
The situation in Goma, a vital city in the eastern DRC, has deteriorated rapidly following a surge in violence. The United Nations reports nearly 3,000 casualties amid the ongoing conflict, with the M23 rebels in collaboration with Rwandan troops gaining control. This has severely disrupted humanitarian activities, with corpses visible on the streets and infrastructure failing to meet the crisis’s demands.
M23’s grip on Goma extends to controlling all exit routes and the airport, worsening the humanitarian situation. An alarming rise in violence is recorded, with severe human rights abuses occurring, including prison escapes that have resulted in tragic consequences. The DRC government has called for comprehensive investigations into these abuses.
Humanitarian Impact and Human Rights Violations
The massive scale of human rights violations has impacted people across the region significantly. Armed conflict continues to disrupt the lives of millions, leaving nearly 7 million internally displaced. Persistent sexual and gender-based violence adds layers to the humanitarian crisis, with Nord-Kivu province alone reporting over 38,000 cases in early 2023. Most of the population lacks access to basic necessities such as adequate food, clean water, and sanitation, further exacerbating the dire situation.
“We expect this number to go up. There are still many decomposing bodies in many areas. The World Health Organization is really worried about what kind of epidemic outbreaks that can contribute to,” said senior UN official Vivian van de Perre.
The armed conflict also has a lasting impact on education, infringing upon children’s right to learn. The general state of the DRC does not appear to improve, as a lack of accountability and justice for victims persists, with flawed investigations and trials continuing, causing outrage among international human rights advocates.
Efforts to Redress the Crisis
The Congolese government is endeavoring to address the violence and restore stability, but efforts are hindered by the challenges peacekeepers face. Despite President Tshisekedi’s announcement of easing the “state of siege” in Ituri and Nord-Kivu provinces, violence continues to plague the region. The upcoming general elections have also seen crackdowns on dissenters, further shrinking civic space.
“At least 700 people have been killed in intense fighting in Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, since Sunday,” said UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.
With MONUSCO peacekeepers facing daunting tasks, reestablishing peace remains a distant hope. The international community calls for the reopening of Goma airport to facilitate humanitarian aid. The ongoing conflict has cast a bleak shadow over the DRC’s prospects for achieving long-term peace and security.
PANIC IN GOMA AFTER M23 CAPTURE SAKE
The Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern city of Goma is in turmoil after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized control of Sake town on Thursday, January 23rd.
M23 is now set to push towards Goma, just 25 km (15 miles) away from Sake.
The… pic.twitter.com/f7O472koAM
— African Stream (@african_stream) January 24, 2025
Sources:
- https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/africa/east-africa-the-horn-and-great-lakes/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/report-democratic-republic-of-the-congo/
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78xvgvy172o
- https://www.voanews.com/a/un-deaths-near-3-000-in-fighting-for-drc–goma/7964371.html
- https://www.breitbart.com/africa/2025/02/06/u-n-says-nearly-3000-killed-in-congo-fighting/
