Aid agencies have raised alarms about a looming humanitarian catastrophe in Goma, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as hospitals struggle with an influx of patients and unclaimed bodies line the streets.
According to the UNHCR, thousands are fleeing violent clashes across multiple conflict zones. Meanwhile, warehouses holding essential supplies, including food and medicine, have been plundered as M23 rebels continue their push toward control of the city.
The worsening crisis has intensified public frustration, fueling demands for immediate peace negotiations to halt the bloodshed.
“Hospitals are overwhelmed. There are currently hundreds of people in hospital, most admitted with gunshot wounds,” said Adelheid Marschang, a coordinator for the World Health Organization in the DRC.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported from Geneva that its hospital in Goma treated over 100 injured individuals in just one day—a workload it would normally handle over an entire month. Overwhelmed by the situation, staff resorted to setting up a triage unit in the hospital’s parking lot.
The ICRC also highlighted the devastating effects of heavy artillery used in densely populated areas, with children among those most severely affected.
Both the ICRC and the World Food Programme confirmed that their storage facilities have been ransacked in recent days, further complicating relief efforts.
In Kinshasa, frustration over the ongoing violence erupted into protests on Tuesday. Demonstrators torched parts of the French embassy, blocking roads and setting tyres ablaze.
Thick smoke billowed as sections of the embassy went up in flames. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the incident “unacceptable” but noted that the fire had been contained.
Other diplomatic missions, including those of Rwanda, Uganda, Belgium, and the United States, were also targeted, with reports of vandalism and looting. Police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowds.
In solidarity with Goma, some residents heeded a call by civil society groups to observe a “dead city” day by staying home.
Hospital sources in Goma, quoted by AFP, reported that at least 17 people had died and nearly 400 had been injured since Monday. However, civil society organizations suggested the death toll could be as high as 25.
South Africa confirmed on Tuesday that four of its peacekeepers had died in clashes with M23 fighters, raising the country’s total losses in the DRC to 13. Malawi and Uruguay have also reported casualties among their peacekeeping forces.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Monday, stressing the need for a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks. The African Union announced plans for an emergency meeting to address the situation.
Meanwhile, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC held a high-level meeting with officials late on Monday to assess the deteriorating conditions in Goma.
“Our soldiers and the [pro-government militia] Wazalendo continue to hold certain positions in the city,” said Vital Kamerhe, speaker of the National Assembly, after the meeting. Kamerhe also indicated that the president plans to address the nation soon, though no specific details were provided.
Since Friday, Goma has endured a total blackout, with no access to water or electricity. Kamerhe assured the public that the government is working to restore these services while pursuing political and diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
In a phone call with President Tshisekedi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced the M23 offensive and emphasized the need to reopen peace discussions with Rwanda, which has been accused of backing the rebels.
Rubio also spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto, who has scheduled a meeting between Tshisekedi and Kagame for Wednesday as part of efforts to broker peace.
In a separate move, the Congolese government has requested another session of the UN Security Council, calling for tougher action against Rwanda.
During a recent emergency UN meeting, the DRC urged sanctions against Rwanda, accusing its forces of breaching Congolese territory in what it described as a “declaration of war.”
The UN strongly condemned M23’s actions and the ongoing violations of Congolese sovereignty, including involvement by “external forces.”
Although Rwanda has denied any direct support for M23, UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix maintains there is indisputable evidence linking Rwandan troops to the rebels.
