Since last month, over 7,000 people have died in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, with PM Judith Suminwa reporting significant civilian casualties. The M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, has captured key cities, leading to mass displacement and urgent calls for international intervention. UN officials have warned of severe implications for regional stability.
In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), over 7,000 fatalities have occurred due to ongoing conflict since last month, according to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa. During her address to the United Nations Human Rights Council, she highlighted that many among the deceased are civilians, with around 3,000 casualties reported in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
Suminwa noted that of the dead, over 2,500 victims were buried unidentified, with an additional 1,500 bodies still in morgues. She emphasized the dire humanitarian situation, stating that a “significant mass of civilians” was included among the casualties.
Since January, the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has gained control of important cities like Goma and Bukavu. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed grave concern over the conflict, indicating that the violence could destabilize the entire region, while Rwanda has dismissed allegations of its involvement.
Suminwa called for international intervention and “dissuasive sanctions” against Rwanda, citing reports of mass displacements and extrajudicial killings. She illustrated the despair of millions affected, declaring it impossible to convey the depth of their suffering.
Guterres echoed her sentiments, categorizing the situation as a “deadly whirlwind of violence and horrifying human rights abuses.” He reiterated the necessity of maintaining the DRC’s sovereignty, warning further city losses could escalate the conflict into a regional crisis.
Rebel forces captured Bukavu shortly after taking Goma, leading to an exodus of around 40,000 people to neighboring Burundi in the last two weeks. The M23, bolstered by 4,000 Rwandan troops, is one among 100 armed factions fighting for DRC’s rich mineral resources.
The conflict in eastern DRC has resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with significant civilian casualties and mass displacements. The UN has raised alarms over the situation, emphasizing the need for international intervention and a commitment to the DRC’s sovereignty. The involvement of external forces like Rwanda complicates the existing tensions, risking broader regional instability.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
