Over 900 people have lost their lives over the past two weeks due to fierce clashes between M23 rebels and government forces in Goma, a key city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to a statement from the World Health Organization released late Monday, nearly 2,880 injured individuals have been treated at various health facilities in Goma since January 26.
In a rapid offensive last week, M23 fighters, reportedly backed by Rwandan forces, took control of Goma’s airport as they swept across the regional capital of North Kivu.
The advance triggered a mass exodus, with tens of thousands fleeing their homes.
The rebel group has tightened its grip on eastern DRC, establishing checkpoints and imposing restrictions that have significantly hindered humanitarian aid access.
After securing Goma, M23 forces shifted their focus toward Bukavu, another strategic city in eastern DRC.
Although they had earlier expressed ambitions to push toward the national capital, Kinshasa, the rebels have since denied any plans to capture Bukavu.
“It must be made clear that we have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas. However, we reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions,” M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka clarified in a recent statement.
On Tuesday, Rwanda-backed forces in eastern DRC announced a pause in their offensive, citing humanitarian concerns as the reason.
The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) rebel coalition declared a unilateral ceasefire, stating that the decision was taken in response to the worsening humanitarian situation.
“The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) informs the public that, in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the regime in Kinshasa, it declares a ceasefire starting February 4, 2025, for humanitarian reasons,” read a statement posted on X.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, the DRC government in Kinshasa has yet to issue a response.
It remains uncertain whether the Congolese military will comply with the truce. Similar agreements in the past have repeatedly collapsed.
Before the ceasefire, the International Committee of the Red Cross reported that since January, it had treated over 600 wounded individuals, nearly half of whom were civilians, including women and children.
Meanwhile, the WHO has raised concerns about a heightened risk of disease outbreaks among displaced populations, warning of potential surges in mpox, cholera, and measles as access to medical services remains limited.
