Fierce fighting between M23 rebels and government forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern city of Goma has claimed over 900 lives in the past two weeks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since January 26, around 2,880 injured individuals have been admitted to various health facilities across the city.
The WHO has also raised alarms over the increasing spread of diseases like mpox, cholera, and measles, as thousands of displaced residents struggle to access medical care.
In an attempt to de-escalate the conflict, the Alliance Fleuve Congo, a coalition of rebel groups including the M23, announced a unilateral ceasefire set to begin on February 4. However, the situation remains tense as M23 fighters claim to have taken control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
The Congolese government has vowed to reclaim the city, accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels. Kigali, however, has denied any involvement in the conflict.
