Violence in Eastern DR Congo Claims 2,900 Lives as ICC Monitors Goma Situation

Approximately 2,900 people have died in violent clashes between M23 rebels and Democratic Republic of Congo forces in Goma, Anadolu Agency reported citing a UN official. The humanitarian crisis in this eastern city has drawn the attention of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is closely monitoring the escalating violence.

Vivian van de Perre, deputy chief of the UN mission in Congo, reported that 2,000 bodies have been collected from the streets, while 900 remain in local morgues. The ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor urged cooperation among conflicting parties regarding the situation, which has intensified since the M23 launched a major offensive two weeks ago.

Despite a unilateral ceasefire declared by the M23 on Monday, fighting resumed on Wednesday, with reports of the rebels capturing Nyabibwe city. Kinshasa dismissed the ceasefire as a “lie,” pledging to reclaim Goma. Thousands have fled to neighboring Rwanda amid the chaos, including international organization staff.

According to a UN spokesperson, more than 150 female prisoners were raped and burned to death during a jailbreak last week when fleeing male inmates set fire to a prison in Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.