700 Killed in Five Days Amid Rebel Offensive in Eastern DRC as UN Issues Warnings Against Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
The United Nations has reported a severe humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid ongoing clashes between government forces and M23 rebels, Anadolu Agency reported. Over five days, at least 700 people have been killed and 2,800 injured. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that these figures may rise as more information emerges.
UN agencies are calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, particularly in Goma, a city of approximately 3 million residents facing deteriorating conditions. The World Food Programme (WFP) has raised alarms about critical shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies. Spokeswoman Shelley Thakral emphasized the urgent need for resources, stating, “People are really running out of food, clean water, medical supplies.”
Severe human rights abuses have also been reported, including bombings of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and summary executions by the M23. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expressed concern over the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians, many of whom were already vulnerable.
Regional tensions have escalated, with Kinshasa accusing Rwanda of supporting the rebels, a claim Rwanda denies. Thousands have fled to Rwanda, including international organization personnel. The situation remains critical, with the UN urging immediate action to prevent further loss of life and worsening humanitarian conditions.
