More than 7,000 people have been killed in violent clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since January. A significant number of the victims are civilians, according to reports.
Congo’s Prime Minister, Judith Suminwa, stated that over 7,000 people have died in the fighting in the country’s eastern region. Among them, a substantial number are civilians.
Speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Switzerland on Monday, Suminwa warned that the security situation in eastern DRC has reached a critical level.
She mentioned that in the North Kivu province’s capital, Goma, nearly 3,000 people have been reported dead. More than 2,500 unidentified bodies have been buried, while 1,500 bodies remain in morgues.
The M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, has taken control of key areas in eastern DRC, including the major cities of Goma and Bukavu in South Kivu province, since January. The rapid escalation of violence has raised global concerns, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning that the conflict could engulf the entire region.
Rwanda has denied allegations from the DRC, the UN, and Western governments that it is supporting the rebels with weapons and troops.
On Monday, Suminwa urged the international community to take action and impose strict sanctions on Rwanda, holding it accountable for the widespread displacement and loss of life.
UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the need to respect DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that the fall of more cities increases the risk of a regional war.
The escalating violence has forced nearly 40,000 people to flee to neighboring Burundi within two weeks.