There are bodies in the streets of Congo as rebel group’s sweep reignites decades old conflict

|Published 2:30 PM ET, Sunday February 2, 2025|

GOMA: With Goma seized, fears rise for humanitarian crisis as M23 advances toward Bukavu.

Congo is currently experiencing a severe escalation in conflict, particularly in the eastern city of Goma. The resurgence of the M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has led to intense fighting, resulting in significant civilian casualties and a dire humanitarian crisis.

As of January 30, 2025, hospital morgues in and around Goma have reported 773 bodies, with an additional 2,880 individuals wounded between January 26 and January 30. The situation has overwhelmed medical facilities, leading to shortages of supplies and challenges in providing adequate care.

The conflict has also led to widespread displacement, with hundreds of thousands fleeing their homes to seek refuge in Goma and surrounding areas. Humanitarian organizations are struggling to operate due to ongoing hostilities and looting, exacerbating the already critical conditions.

People who crossed from Congo wait for assistance in Gyseny, Rwanda, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, following M23 rebels’ advances into eastern Congo’s capital Goma. (AP Photo/Yuhi Irakiza)

The international community is expressing growing concern over the situation. The European Union faces increasing pressure to suspend its minerals agreement with Rwanda amid allegations of Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels and the exploitation of the DRC’s resources.

This conflict is rooted in longstanding ethnic tensions and competition for the DRC’s rich mineral resources. The current escalation threatens to destabilize the region further, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention and a sustainable resolution to the crisis.