Intense fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has resulted in at least 700 deaths and over 2,800 injuries since Sunday, according to United Nations reports. The violence has centered around Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, where M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have seized control. The rebels are now advancing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu.
The DRC government accuses the M23 of seeking control over the region’s vast mineral resources, while the M23 claims to be fighting for the rights of ethnic Tutsi minorities citeturn0search0. Rwanda’s government denies involvement, stating that its troops are only deployed to prevent the conflict from spilling over into its territory
The conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation. Residents in Goma are facing shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies, with supply chains severely disrupted citeturn0search0. Since the beginning of 2025, more than 400,000 people have been displaced.
In response to the escalating violence, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has expressed support for the DRC, reaffirming its commitment to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and seek a resolution to the conflict.
