Intense fighting involving M23 combatants and government forces began erupting today in Goma, an eastern DRC city, which has overwhelming the local hospital’s capacity as casualties mount there.
On Monday, the M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, moved into Goma and declared the city under their control, in a significant defeat for the Congolese army and a disturbing escalation in a conflict that has already displaced millions and claimed hundreds of lives.
DRC’s Rural Development Minister, Muhindo Nzangi, however said the Congolese army was still in control of 80 percent of Goma and Rwandan troops were on the outskirts of the city. The UN and several aid agencies have expressed concern about the growing number of patients with gunshot and shrapnel wounds in local hospitals. “Hundreds are in hospital, most with gunshot wounds,” said Adelheid Marschang, the emergency response coordinator for WHO.
Reports indicate at least 17 deaths in Goma alone, with hospital sources treating as many as 367 injured. Civil society puts the number at up to 25 deaths.
Fighting continues, and several thousand flee Goma-a key destination for humanitarian aid. Hundreds of thousands have been on the move since the start of this year-the addition of such a number makes three million people to have been displaced last year.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed grave concerns, saying, “The city is in real difficulty.” He called for Rwanda to cease hostilities and for calm to return.
The exchanges of fire near border crossings resulted in civilian casualties. M23, mainly a Tutsi force, said to be fighting for the rights of the DRC’s Tutsi minority, has recently faced attacks by the Congolese Army, backed up by the United Nations Stabilisation Mission. Accusations of Rwandan support by the DRC government and UN have been denied by Rwanda. The African Union’s Peace and Security Council will soon discuss the crisis.