The UN reports nearly 3,000 deaths in Goma, DR Congo, due to fierce fighting with rebels. The Alliance Fleuve Congo, including M23, has captured the city, leading to a humanitarian crisis. Accusations of Rwandan support for rebels complicate the conflict, as tensions rise in the region, threatening further violence and displacement.
The UN reports that nearly 3,000 deaths have occurred in Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following its capture by rebels after intense clashes with Congolese forces. Vivian van de Perre, the UN mission’s deputy head, confirmed that 2,000 bodies have been recovered from the streets, while 900 more remain in hospitals, indicating a grim expectation for higher casualties as decomposing bodies are still uncollected.
Goma, capital of North Kivu province, has historically been the center of conflict driven by ethnic disputes and control over valuable resources. The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes the M23 rebel group predominantly composed of ethnic Tutsis, has been at the forefront of these conflicts, embodying broader geopolitical tensions in the region. The chaos is exacerbated by accusations against Rwanda aiding these rebels, amidst ongoing fighting and humanitarian crises that have plagued the area for decades.
The situation in Goma underscores a deteriorating humanitarian crisis as rebel factions aggressively position themselves in eastern Congo. With ongoing violence and governmental instability, the region faces severe humanitarian repercussions. The international community must monitor developments closely as recovery efforts and civilian safety become increasingly critical amid escalating tensions and territorial advances by rebel groups.
Original Source: www.wral.com
