Death Toll Rising in DRC: M23 Rebels Capture Strategic City of Goma
A devastating toll is mounting after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s largest city, Goma. Authorities estimate the death toll of civilians in a week-long conflict to at least 773.
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Grim Tally Amidst Conflicting Reports
Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya warns that the current death toll represents a provisional count.
"These figures remain provisional because the rebels asked the population to clean the streets of Goma. There should be mass graves and the Rwandans took care to evacuate theirs,” Muyaya stated during a briefing in Kinshasa.
Fears are growing, with Muyaya suggesting the eventual death toll likely surpasses the alarming current figure.
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M23: A Major Threat in DR Congo’s East
M23, considered to be the deadliest among over 100 armed groups fighting for control, seized Goma in a forceful escalation of a decade-long conflict in the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The region sits atop vast natural resources crucial for global technology advancements. According to UN experts, M23 receives backing from approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops.
Congo’s Armed Forces Struggle for Ground
While the armed forces managed to reclaim some villages from the rebel advance, crucial setbacks have undermined their ability.
Congo’s army suffered heavy casualties, losing hundreds of troops and facing the disheartening surrender of foreign mercenaries shortly after Goma’s takeover.
Uncertain Path Forward: Violence Continues
Despite promises for restored services in Goma, residents cautiously rebuild amidst lingering risks.
Hundreds of those displaced have been returning, bravely facing neighborhoods overwhelmed with debris.
UNITED NATIONS peacekeeping force chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix expressed grave concerns, stating.
“M23 and Rwandan forces were about 60km (37 miles) north of Bukavu,
"They [M23] seem to be moving quite fast,”.
Lacroix described the capture of an airport adjacent to Bukavu as a strategic threat. “would be another really significant step”.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
humanitarian aid efforts operating in eastern Congo have been seriously disrupted. “Goma’s capture
has brought humanitarian operations to a standstill cutting off “a vital lifeline for aid delivery” across Eastern DRC, cautioned Rose Tchwenko, country director.
”The escalation toward Bukavu intensifies fears of forced displacement, worsening the humanitarian nightmare.
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