The eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is reeling from a devastating rebel attack that has resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people in the key city of Goma. The assault was led by the M23 rebel group that formed at the government’s refusal to sign the March 23 peace treaty. They are rumored to have backing from Rwanda, a country in East Africa, and they have not only caused significant death but also aggravated an already dire humanitarian crisis.
On January 27, 2025, M23 rebels announced the capture of Goma, the capital of the North Kivu province and a city that houses over a million residents. The attack began on January 23, with rebels advancing and circling the city by January 25. Despite initial resistance from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and United Nations peacekeepers, the rebels breached defenses and took control.
The takeover led to chaos. Hospitals in Goma, such as Kyeshero and Virunga, were overrun with patients suffering from gunshot and shrapnel wounds. Diminished medical supplies diminished, and a critical blood shortage caused desperate appeals for donors. Transport disruptions further hampered aid delivery and patient transfers. “I arrived here in agony,” said Mammy Esther, who arrived at Kyeshero with a severe injury.
In the aftermath, over 2,000 bodies required immediate burial. The sheer number of casualties overwhelmed morgues, raising concerns about disease outbreaks due to delayed burials and limited refrigeration facilities. The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. The United Nations reported that nearly 3,000 people have been killed since the offensive began.
Rwanda has faced accusations of supporting the M23 rebels, something they deny. The Rwandan government has turned around and blamed the DRC for supporting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a rebel group opposed to Kigali.
The situation in Goma remains tense and tragic. While the M23 rebels have declared a ceasefire, reports indicate continued military activities in the region. The international community is calling for an immediate end of hostilities and establishing humanitarian corridors to aid the affected population.
As the DRC struggles with this crisis, the resilience and solidarity of its people is clear. Residents have come forward to donate blood and help the wounded, showcasing a community’s strength in the face of a common enemy. The path to peace remains riddled with challenges, but the collective efforts of national and international stakeholders offer a glimmer of hope for a resolution to this conflict.
Sources:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/11/m23-rebels-resume-attacks-in-dr-congo-after-two-day-pause
https://www.dw.com/en/fighting-rages-in-drc-as-m23-rebels-attack-goma/video-71439347
