UN Reports Nearly 3,000 Deaths Amid Ongoing Conflict in Goma

The UN reports nearly 3,000 deaths in Goma due to fighting between M23 militants and the national army. Efforts to recover bodies are ongoing, with fears of disease outbreaks. The M23 rebels control Goma, complicating humanitarian efforts and raising the specter of escalating conflict as they advance towards Bukavu.

A senior United Nations representative in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported that nearly 3,000 individuals have lost their lives due to intense conflict between M23 militants and the national army in Goma. Vivian van de Perre, UN Deputy Head of Mission in the DRC, stated in a press briefing that UN teams are actively assisting in recovering the dead, noting that 2,000 bodies have been identified, with an additional 900 stored in morgues. The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are discovered in various locations.

The ongoing violence in eastern DRC has escalated since the M23 group’s resurgence and subsequent breach of a ceasefire in January. The region is rich in minerals and has been a flashpoint for military conflicts, exacerbating humanitarian crises and causing mass displacements. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the M23, while Rwanda accuses the DRC of collaborating with rebel groups. This complex interaction has worsened local tensions, particularly in and around Goma.

The UN highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Goma, as the M23 maintains control over the city and its surroundings, exacerbating the conflict. With significant civilian displacement, a humanitarian crisis is deepening, raising alarms about the potential for disease outbreaks. As conflicts approach other key areas like Bukavu, international concern is mounting regarding the safety and welfare of the local population.

Original Source: www.voanews.com