Vivian van de Perre, the deputy head of the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), announced that nearly 3,000 individuals have lost their lives in the recent violent clashes between M23 militants and the Congolese national army in the eastern city of Goma.

During a video call briefing with journalists, van de Perre revealed that U.N. teams are assisting the M23 in clearing the streets of Goma of deceased victims. "So far, we've retrieved 2,000 bodies, and another 900 are currently in hospital morgues," she stated, warning that the death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are discovered in areas where they've been left to decompose. The World Health Organization has expressed concerns about potential epidemic outbreaks due to these conditions.

The conflict intensified after the M23 rebels, with alleged support from the Rwandan army, broke a ceasefire in early January, launching an offensive in the mineral-rich eastern DRC. On January 27, the M23 claimed to have captured Goma, leading to the displacement of thousands who were already fleeing from other conflict zones.

The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the M23, a charge that Kigali denies, while countering with allegations that Kinshasa is working with the FDLR, a Hutu militia linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, claims which Congo refutes.

Van de Perre confirmed that "Goma is firmly under control at the moment of M23." The Congolese government has labeled M23 as a terrorist group, whereas the U.N. and U.S. recognize it as an armed rebel group. "All exit routes from Goma are under their control, and the airport is also closed until further notice," she reported, highlighting the severe human suffering and humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict.

She noted that nearly 2,000 civilians are currently sheltered at U.N. peacekeeping bases in Goma, which are overwhelmed and at risk of disease outbreaks due to overcrowding and poor conditions. Basic services like water and electricity were disrupted during the fighting but have seen partial restoration, though market prices have soared.

Peacekeepers from MONUSCO, the U.N. mission in Congo, are now operating with limited movement, needing to announce their travels 48 hours in advance due to restrictions imposed by the M23. Patrols are not occurring, but resupply to bases continues. There are also reports of M23 interfering with aid work and journalism, though the extent of this harassment remains unclear.

The M23 is reportedly advancing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, with intense fighting along critical routes. Tensions are escalating as the rebels move within 50 kilometers of Bukavu. Van de Perre expressed concerns for Kavumu airport, vital for humanitarian and civilian operations, especially as MONUSCO has withdrawn from South Kivu entirely since June following requests from the Congolese government.

While a unilateral ceasefire was announced by the M23 on February 4, suggesting that Bukavu would not be targeted, the situation remains volatile with significant implications for the region's stability and the welfare of its inhabitants. (ILKHA)