DRC: more than 8,500 people killed in conflict in Goma

Since the end of January, conflicts in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have claimed more than 8,500 lives in Goma, a city under threat from the March 23 Movement (M23) rebellion, which claims control of the area, the Congolese government announced on Thursday evening.

According to the Congolese Minister of Health, Roger Kamba, more than 8,500 bodies have been buried and around 30 remain in the morgues of Goma, capital of North Kivu province, home to nearly a million inhabitants and 700,000 displaced persons fleeing the fighting.

“The hostilities have also resulted in 5,597 wounded being treated in health facilities,” the Minister added.

Humanitarian operations in this strategic region are seriously disrupted, warned the UN, while Goma’s international airport remains closed.

A humanitarian corridor was opened in mid-February, enabling the World Health Organization (WHO) to deliver medical supplies via Kenya and Rwanda.

In addition to Goma, the M23 rebellion has taken control of several towns, including Bukavu, capital of South Kivu province.