Crisis In Congo: Massive Violence And Rights Breaches In Goma

Map of Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Democratic Republic of Congo faces a devastating humanitarian crisis as nearly 3,000 lives are lost in escalating violence near Goma.

Key Insights

UN reports approximately 3,000 deaths in recent fighting around Goma, DRC.
M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have taken control of key areas, including Goma’s airport.
Humanitarian efforts are severely hindered, with UN infrastructure overwhelmed.
Widespread human rights violations, including sexual violence and forced displacements, continue.
International community calls for urgent action to address the crisis and reopen Goma’s airport.

Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis as violence near the city of Goma intensifies. According to United Nations reports, the death toll has reached a staggering 3,000 in recent fighting. The M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwandan forces, has seized control of critical areas, including Goma’s airport, effectively cutting off aid and evacuation routes.

UN spokesperson Vivian van de Perre painted a grim picture of the situation, stating, “All exit routes from Goma are under their control, and the airport, also under M23 control, is closed until further notice. The escalating violence has led to immense human suffering, displacement and a growing humanitarian crisis.” The closure of Goma’s airport has severely hampered relief efforts, leaving countless civilians without access to vital aid and medical care.

PANIC IN GOMA AFTER M23 CAPTURE SAKE

The Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern city of Goma is in turmoil after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized control of Sake town on Thursday, January 23rd.

M23 is now set to push towards Goma, just 25 km (15 miles) away from Sake.

The… pic.twitter.com/f7O472koAM

— African Stream (@african_stream) January 24, 2025

Human Rights Violations and Displacement

The conflict has triggered widespread human rights abuses, with reports of sexual violence, forced evictions, and arbitrary detentions. Nearly 7 million people have been internally displaced, fleeing the violence and seeking safety in overcrowded UN facilities or neighboring countries. The situation is particularly dire for women and children, with over 38,000 cases of sexual and gender-based violence reported in Nord-Kivu province alone in early 2023.

“We expect this number to go up. There are still many decomposing bodies in many areas. The World Health Organization is really worried about what kind of epidemic outbreaks that can contribute to,” said Vivian van de Perre, the deputy head of the United Nations mission in the DRC.

The ongoing conflict has also severely impacted children’s right to education, with many schools closed or destroyed. Natural disasters, possibly linked to climate change, have further exacerbated the crisis, causing additional deaths and displacements. The combination of armed conflict, environmental challenges, and inadequate infrastructure has left the majority of the population without access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and healthcare.

International Response and Calls for Action

The international community has expressed growing concern over the situation in the DRC. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through his spokesman Stephane Dujarric, has called for immediate action: “We reiterate our call for the urgent reopening of Goma airport, as we need to evacuate wounded people and bring in humanitarian supplies and staff in.” This plea underscores the critical need for humanitarian access to the affected areas.

“The mission’s key infrastructures in Goma are overwhelmed, with both U.N. personnel and Congolese seeking shelter within our premises,” Van de Perre said.

Despite these challenges, the M23 rebel group claims to be bringing stability to the region. M23 political leader Corneille Nangaa addressed a crowd, stating, “I ask you to sleep well because we bring you security; this is our priority. Starting next week, the children return to school. Let all state agents return to their offices. The displaced people are returning to their homes.” However, these claims contrast sharply with the reports of ongoing violence and displacement.

As the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to deteriorate, the need for a coordinated international response becomes increasingly urgent. The reopening of Goma’s airport and the establishment of safe corridors for humanitarian aid are critical first steps in addressing this complex crisis. The world watches and waits for decisive action to bring relief to the suffering people of the DRC and to work towards a lasting resolution to this devastating conflict.