Goma City, Democratic Republic of Congo — The United Nations reported that more than 700 individuals have been killed in the intense fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo since Sunday.
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reported on Friday that the death toll may rise further as the fighting in DRC’s largest eastern city Goma further escalates.
As M23 rebels— group of ethnic Tutsis backed by Rwanda— captured the capital of North Kivu province, 2,800 individuals have also been reported injured from the fighting that escalated since January 26.
Rebels are now reported to be moving south towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, while the DR Congo military has set up a defensive line on the road between Goma and Bukavu to halt M23’s progress.
As the crisis progresses, the situation remains tense in Goma, where occasional shootings are still being reported.
Humanitarian groups in Goma are now assessing the current situation and its impact, while experts warn that if the conflict continues, civilians will be short of basic necessities and their health will be at risk.
“Humanitarian organizations in Goma continue to assess the impact of the crisis including the widespread looting of warehouses and the offices of aid organizations. Without urgent action OCHA cautions the risk of water born disease outbreaks will just continue to increase, ” Dujarric said.