Goma, a key city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is facing a dire humanitarian emergency as M23 rebels continue their assault. The escalating violence has left streets littered with bodies, overwhelmed hospitals, and triggered a surge in sexual violence, looting, and displacement.
The United Nations reported that the crisis has displaced 300,000 people from camps around Goma in just days, exacerbating an already fragile situation. “Roads are blocked, ports are closed, and those crossing Lake Kivu risk their lives in makeshift boats,” said Shelley Thakral, spokesperson for the UN World Food Programme (WFP).
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the city is under siege, with reports of heavy gunfire, mortar shelling, and widespread destruction. “We have reports of rapes committed by fighters, looting of property, including a humanitarian warehouse, and humanitarian and health facilities being hit,” said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke.
Hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed with injured civilians, many suffering from gunshot and shrapnel wounds. Electricity and water supplies are compromised, while internet services have been cut off since Monday.
The WFP has been forced to suspend food assistance in the area as violence has severed access to the city. “Depending on the duration of the violence, the supply of food into the city could be severely hampered,” Thakral warned.
The UN Security Council has condemned the violence, calling for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of the M23 rebels from occupied territories. The council also expressed concern over reports of external forces, including alleged Rwandan troop involvement.
The council reaffirmed its support for the UN peacekeeping mission in DRC (MONUSCO) and paid tribute to blue helmets from South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay who recently lost their lives.
Health Systems Under Siege
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about the crisis’s impact on healthcare. Hundreds of patients are being treated for trauma-related injuries, with secondary infections posing additional risks.
“Reports of health workers being shot at and patients, including babies, being caught in crossfire, are deeply concerning. Attacks on healthcare violate the rules of war. Healthcare must be protected at all times.”
WHO Emergency Response Coordinator Dr. Adelheid Marschang
The WHO has deployed medical supplies and established hubs in Goma and Bukavu to address the escalating needs. However, the risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera and malaria, looms large, compounded by the displacement of thousands.
Women and girls are particularly vulnerable in this conflict. Reports of rape and sexual violence have surged, with women attacked while searching for firewood or leaving camps.
Mobile teams and clinics are working to address these needs, but the scale of the crisis is overwhelming. “Pregnant women are at risk, with very high maternal death rates, even before the violence escalated,” WHO warned.
The humanitarian community is also concerned about the potential spread of diseases like cholera and mpox, which could further devastate displaced populations.
As the crisis deepens, international organizations are calling for swift action to prevent further loss of life and suffering. The next 24 hours are critical, with food supplies dwindling and displaced populations struggling to survive.
The UN and its partners continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance where possible, but the challenges are immense. “This is a huge test for Congolese trapped by fighting in Goma and surrounding areas,” Thakral said.
The international community has been called on to act decisively to address the violence, protect civilians, and support humanitarian efforts in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
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