Thousands Killed In Goma As Rebels Seize Control Amid Intensified Fighting

 Nearly 3,000 people have been killed in Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following its capture by rebels after days of intense fighting with the Congolese army, according to the United Nations.

Rising Death Toll and Humanitarian Crisis

Vivian van de Perre, deputy head of the UN mission in DR Congo, reported Wednesday that “so far, 2,000 bodies have been collected from Goma’s streets in recent days, and 900 bodies remain in the morgues of the city’s hospitals.”

“We expect this number to rise,” she stated, warning that many decomposing bodies are still uncollected in various areas of the city, which is home to around 2 million people.

The grim discovery follows a ceasefire announcement by the rebel coalition Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes the M23 armed group. The coalition claims the truce was declared to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the Congolese government. However, the government dismissed the ceasefire as “false communication,” and heavy fighting has reportedly continued in South Kivu province.

Ongoing Conflict and Regional Tensions

DR Congo, a nation of over 100 million people, has faced decades of violent conflict driven by ethnic divisions and struggles over land and mineral resources, contributing to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

Congo, the United States, and UN experts have accused neighboring Rwanda of backing M23, a group predominantly composed of ethnic Tutsis who broke away from the Congolese army over a decade ago. Rwanda denies these allegations but has acknowledged deploying troops and missile systems in eastern Congo, citing national security concerns.

Since 2022, M23 has reignited its rebellion against the Congolese government, capturing large portions of North Kivu, a mineral-rich province bordering Rwanda and Uganda. The region is home to rare minerals, including vast deposits of coltan, essential for the production of smartphones and computers.

Continued Fighting and Expanding Rebel Control

Van de Perre noted that, despite hopes for a ceasefire, fighting has persisted along a main road leading toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.

“In Bukavu, tensions are escalating as M23 advances, now just 50 kilometers north of the city,” she stated, describing the situation in South Kivu as “particularly concerning.”

Reports indicate that rebels continue to seize more territory in the eastern region, including a town 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Bukavu. The UN has voiced concerns about potentially losing control of Bukavu’s Kavumu airport, which is critical for humanitarian operations.

While the rebel alliance claims it does not intend to capture Bukavu, its leader has previously stated ambitions to push toward other major cities, including the national capital, Kinshasa.

Rebels Plan Further Advances

AFC spokesman Victor Tesongo recently stated that rebels are working to establish a “new administration” in Goma and plan to extend their control into South Kivu and Kinshasa.

M23 leader Corneille Nangaa echoed this, saying, “We are going to fight until we get to Kinshasa. We have come to Goma to stay; we are not going to withdraw.”

Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo, lies approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) west of Goma.

Growing Humanitarian Crisis

Van de Perre reported that M23 is consolidating its grip on Goma and other territories in North Kivu, while the Congolese government has not officially confirmed the city’s capture. However, authorities have acknowledged the rebel presence, appointing a new military governor for North Kivu and declaring a state of siege.

“We remain under occupation in Goma,” Van de Perre said. “The situation is highly volatile, with a persistent risk of escalation.” She confirmed that all exit routes from the city are under rebel control, and the airport remains closed.

The escalating violence has led to immense human suffering, with thousands displaced. Nearly 2,000 civilians are currently seeking shelter at UN peacekeeping bases in Goma as the crisis worsens.