Fighting in Goma, a major city in eastern Congo, has resulted in at least 900 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This figure surpasses the previous toll of 773 deaths.

Details of the Violence

The WHO reported that by Friday, it had recovered 900 bodies from the streets of Goma. The violence lasted for five days, during which the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, took control of the city. Additionally, the WHO noted nearly 2,900 injuries. Previously, the U.N. and Congo’s government had estimated the death toll at 773.

M23 Rebels and Their Support

The M23 rebels are supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, according to U.N. experts. This number is far higher than in 2012 when they first captured Goma. Moreover, the M23 is one of the most powerful armed groups in Congo's mineral-rich east, which is home to vital resources for global technology.

Regional Summit to Discuss the Conflict

In response to the escalating violence, a regional summit will be held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 7-8. The summit aims to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. Kenya’s President William Ruto confirmed this development on Monday.

Who Are the M23 Rebels?

The M23 rebels are primarily ethnic Tutsis from Congo. They have long fought for control of eastern Congo. In 2012, they led an insurgency that ultimately failed. However, after a decade of dormancy, the group re-emerged in 2022. The region has been a hotspot for conflict since the 1996-2003 war, often referred to as “Africa’s world war.” This war was fought over access to Congo’s rich deposits of metals and minerals like copper, cobalt, lithium, and gold. As many as six million people died. The origins of the conflict can be traced back to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Hutu militias killed between 500,000 and one million Tutsis, along with moderate Hutus and Twa people. Following the genocide, nearly two million Hutus fled to Congo, fearing retaliation. As a result, tensions between Hutus and Tutsis have repeatedly flared. Rwanda has accused the Hutus of participating in the genocide and claims that the Congolese army has protected them. Furthermore, Rwanda argues that the Hutu militias pose a threat to its Tutsi population. While the M23 rebels claim to protect Tutsis and Congolese people of Rwandan origin from discrimination, critics argue that this is merely a pretext for Rwanda to expand its political and economic influence over eastern Congo.

Impact on Civilians

The ongoing fighting has displaced millions of people in eastern Congo. According to the UN refugee agency, there are currently 4 million displaced people, with more than 400,000 displaced just this year. This situation has made conditions in overcrowded displacement camps around Goma even worse and has contributed to an increase in cholera cases. As the rebels closed in on Goma, many people fled from nearby villages and camps into the city. Some sought refuge in Rwanda, while others stayed behind. At the same time, medical staff at Goma’s main hospital sheltered in bunkers while treating the wounded. Unfortunately, they had to work under constant gunfire and artillery attacks.