The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis following the capture of Goma by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels earlier this week. The Congolese health ministry reported on Saturday that hospital morgues in and around the city held 773 bodies as of January 30, with additional corpses lying in the streets. The conflict has also left 2,880 wounded in just five days, straining medical resources and emergency response efforts.
The Tutsi-led M23 rebels launched their offensive on Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, on Tuesday, before pushing toward Bukavu in South Kivu. However, by Friday, their advance was stalled by Congolese troops backed by Burundi’s army. M23’s rise is part of a long history of Rwanda-supported insurgencies in eastern Congo, a region plagued by instability since the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The escalation has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation. Hundreds of thousands have fled to Goma seeking refuge, while humanitarian groups have struggled to deliver aid amid widespread looting and ongoing hostilities. Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) has nearly exhausted its medical supplies and has stopped assisting displacement camps, while the World Food Programme has evacuated staff and suspended operations due to security risks.
The Congolese health ministry reported shortages of ambulances, medical supplies, and even body bags, as access to parts of Goma remains restricted. Meanwhile, the United Nations has documented severe human rights violations, including summary executions, the bombing of displacement camps, and reports of sexual violence.
Despite the devastation, daily life in Goma is cautiously resuming. Power and water services, previously disrupted, are being gradually restored. Markets have reopened, though food shortages persist, and schools are set to resume operations. Some displaced persons have begun returning home as roads reopen. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the M23-affiliated Alliance Fleuve Congo, stated their goal is to shift from humanitarian aid to long-term development.
In military developments, Congolese forces have regained control of several villages in Kalehe territory, between Goma and Bukavu. Civil society sources report that residents in Kavumu, north of Bukavu, have resumed normal activities, although fighting continues elsewhere.
Burundi has bolstered its military presence in South Kivu, with President Evariste Ndayishimiye warning against any Rwandan incursions. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe accused Burundi of seeking to destabilize Kigali.
The international community continues to call for an immediate ceasefire, as Congo accuses Rwanda of using M23 to exploit its mineral wealth. Rwanda denies these allegations, claiming self-defense.
As fighting lingers, the people of eastern Congo remain trapped in a cycle of violence, displacement, and suffering, with no clear resolution in sight.
